After a complicated season for Max Verstappen and Red Bull, the current situation of the relationship between the Dutch pilot and his team has been the subject of criticism. Despite having achieved the title of World Champion, rumors began that the current champion was open to the possibility of changing teams, while his team denies that there is that option. This has led to a lot of speculation and uncertainty about Verstappen’s future with Red Bull.
Clarification from Christian Horner
Christian Horner, team leader, has assured that Max Verstappen will remain with them in the long term. In statements to the ‘Goodwood Festival’ website, Horner shared what really happened regarding the rumors created. As he explained, “All teams will show interest in him because he is the exceptional talent that we all know, so it is to imagine that it would be at the top of the list of all the teams. There has been a lot of noise. And normally, when the noise is so public, it tends to be more… Serious things are usually done between racks, not through the media.”
Serious things are usually done between racks, not through the media
Christian Horner
Background of the Rumors
Although Horner seeks to end these rumors about Verstappen’s exit, there have been problems in the past that may have contributed to the speculation. At some point in last season, there existed great tension between Helmut Marko and the team leader that created a possibility that Max decided to change the team in the coming years. The Dutch pilot even argued, “Helmut stays, or I am leaving,” regarding the matter of Marko remaining in the Austrian team.
Other teams, such as Aston Martin and Mercedes, showed interest in having Max Verstappen join their teams, although these remained as verbal offers for now. Both teams maintain the possibility that in the near future, the Dutch pilot can again consider his Red Bull exit. However, for now, Red Bull is not at its best, and Horner remains positive for how this new season will be developed.
Priority for the Upcoming Season
The team’s priority will be to improve the performance of the new car, as one of the conditions of the Dutch pilot is to have a competitive car. Verstappen’s permanence will depend on how the year begins, and the team is aware of this. As the season unfolds, it will become clearer whether Red Bull can provide Verstappen with the competitive car he desires, and whether he will choose to stay with the team or explore other options.