Verstappen Staying Put: Horner Ends Exit Speculation

Christian Horner silences rumors as he confirms Max Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull, despite recent turmoil and performance frustrations.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner is pushing back against persistent rumors that Max Verstappen might leave the team, and he’s wondering why they’re even a thing.

For over a year, speculation has swirled around Verstappen’s future, with whispers linking him to Mercedes or Aston Martin. But Horner is adamant: Verstappen isn’t going anywhere.

“Yes, there’s noise outside, but inside the team? It’s quiet,” Horner said during the Miami Grand Prix weekend. “Max is fully committed. He’s a key part of this team and deeply involved in development.”

The chatter has only grown louder in 2024, as Red Bull’s performance dipped compared to its dominant past. The RB20 showed cracks, leading to Sergio Perez losing his seat, and the current RB21 has visibly frustrated Verstappen more than once.

Still, Horner insists things remain stable behind the scenes.

“People are quick to run with headlines, but they rarely reflect what’s happening internally,” he said. “Max has made it clear he’s with us. Everyone, from engineers to management, is focused on getting the car back on top and winning titles again.”

Part of the speculation stems from Red Bull’s internal turmoil in recent months. Horner faced, and was cleared of, allegations of inappropriate behavior, which triggered deeper power struggles inside the organization. Tensions reportedly flared between Horner, Helmut Marko (a close Verstappen ally), and Max’s father, Jos Verstappen. Add the news of Adrian Newey’s planned move to Aston Martin, and the story writes itself.

Even so, Horner isn’t worried. Asked directly if Verstappen would be at Red Bull next season, his answer was confident and clear.

“Yes,” he said. “He’s under contract through 2028.”

He admitted that if Red Bull can’t deliver a winning car, questions will be asked. But as of now, Verstappen remains committed.

“This team has given Max a car that’s won 64 Grands Prix and four world titles. He enjoys working with the people here, he trusts the engineers, and we’re all in this together. We win together, we lose together, and we stick together.”

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Verstappen Staying Put: Horner Ends Exit Speculation Verstappen Staying Put: Horner Ends Exit Speculation