Max Verstappen claims he is unaware of rumors suggesting Red Bull team principal Christian Horner might resign.
Verstappen Unaware of Rumors Surrounding Horner’s Potential Resignation
Reported by Thomas Maher
Even though Verstappen is officially contracted with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, rumors have intensified about his potential departure from the team after this season.
Horner, who has led Red Bull since 2005, previously clarified to media outlets like PlanetF1.com that Verstappen’s contract includes a “performance element” allowing him to leave before its expiration. It’s reported that Verstappen can invoke an exit clause if he ranks lower than fourth in the Drivers’ Championship following the Hungarian Grand Prix next month.
Verstappen’s Future and the Mercedes Link
Currently, Verstappen holds third place in the standings, with a narrow nine-point lead over George Russell, the Mercedes driver he has been associated with. A recent Italian report indicated that Verstappen is close to finalizing a deal with Mercedes for the 2026 season, pending approval from Mercedes’ board.
After the Austrian Grand Prix, Russell mentioned ongoing discussions about bringing Verstappen to Mercedes. Another report from Auto Motor und Sport suggested that these links may be a tactic to exert pressure on Horner, especially following a high-profile dispute between Horner and Verstappen’s father, Jos.
Verstappen Responds to Speculation
When asked about the rumors of Horner resigning, Verstappen maintained, “I don’t know anything about that.” He also reiterated his earlier statement, emphasizing he’s not focused on his future for the upcoming season.
He commented, “There’s no decision at the moment, so for me, it’s not about ‘26 or whatever. I just focus on what I have ahead of me, work with the team.” Verstappen also declined to discuss specifics regarding the exit clause in his contract, asserting that it’s easier to avoid such topics.
The Future of Red Bull and F1 Regulations
Amid ongoing speculation about team changes, Verstappen stated that shifting teams during major regulatory changes can be risky, which is why he is currently committed to Red Bull. He acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming new regulations but reiterated his focus on performance with the existing team.
In closing, Horner, amidst rumors of him being approached by Ferrari, expressed his unwavering dedication to Red Bull, stating that his “heart and soul” remain with the team, emphasizing his commitment to its future.
