Verstappen: Horner exit ‘doesn’t really matter’ for F1 future

Max Verstappen has dismissed speculation that Christian Horner’s abrupt departure from Red Bull Racing will alter his commitment to the team, emphasizing his focus on performance over internal politics.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, the four-time world champion addressed the seismic shift within Red Bull, maintaining that his long-term future in Formula 1 remains tied to the team’s competitiveness, not its leadership changes.

Just days after the British Grand Prix, Red Bull confirmed the removal of Horner as team principal and CEO, ending his 20-year tenure that included eight drivers' championships and six constructors’ titles.

The move has come amidst Red Bull’s recent performance struggles and internal power tensions, particularly as the team gears up for its 2026 in-house power unit project.

Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but it's understood to include exit clauses, raising questions about whether the team’s leadership change might trigger a shift in the Dutchman’s plans. His entourage has reportedly held discussions with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, fueling speculation about a possible move.

No Impact on Deciding F1 Future

At Spa on Thursday, addressing Horner’s firing for the first time, Verstappen was quick to clarify that the internal event won't matter in terms of determining his next steps.

"No, it doesn't really. I think people can have a difference of opinion here and then, and I actually expect that to happen because if everyone always agrees there is a problem. You need to have difference of opinions," he said.

"I don't think it will matter at all for my decision in the future, and the only thing that matters is that we work on the car and make it as fast as we can.

“The last one and a half years have not been what we want to be. Now we try and be more competitive this year a little bit, but for sure also with the new regulations."

A New Era Under Mekies

Horner’s replacement, Laurent Mekies, previously the team boss at Racing Bulls, has stepped into the role with Verstappen’s approval.

The Dutchman revealed that he was informed of the change by Red Bull’s shareholders “half a day before” the announcement, underscoring his close relationship with the team’s decision-makers.

“I have a good relationship with them, so I think it’s quite normal that they inform some people in the team, before it goes out,” Verstappen explained.

“At the end of the day, I think in this world things like that can happen. And when they told me it wasn’t like they just hung up the phone, you have a conversation about it. I don’t need to go into detail what they said.”

Verstappen acknowledged the team’s reasoning for the shift: “Management and the shareholders decided that they wanted to change and at the end of the day they run the team and I’m the driver, so whatever they decide it’s fully their right to do what they want, and that’s basically how it happened.

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“At the same time, you look back at those 20 years of Red Bull, I think we’ve had a lot of great years, great results.

“Now, naturally of course there are also years where it’s not going that well and I think the last one and a half years have not gone how we would have liked. And management decided they wanted to steer the ship in a different direction, probably. And then everyone else has to anyway agree to that and look forward.”

"Horner still like family to me"

Despite reported tensions between Horner and Verstappen’s father, Jos, the Dutchman expressed gratitude for his former boss, describing their relationship as familial.

“I’m excited for the team now moving forward because that’s what we have to do. Looking back doesn’t make sense,” Verstappen said.

“But at the same time, you do appreciate those 20 years. The relationship between myself and Christian, for example, that doesn’t change. Of course, he’s not here now during a race weekend, but he’s still like a second family to me.”

Verstappen’s early interactions with Mekies have been positive, with the driver praising the new team principal’s energy and experience.

“Of course, I’ve had a few meetings with him already. I cannot say right now within two weeks of not even action on track that suddenly everything is different or better, but we are trying to be better and it’s been good,” he said.

“He’s a very nice guy first of all, very clever guy. He’s been in different areas of the F1 paddock as well, and I think that can be helpful. And he’s incredibly motivated and I like that. You can see the fire.”

Future Unfazed, Focus on Performance

When pressed on whether he might drive for another team in 2026, Verstappen deflected with characteristic wit.

“There’s also a possibility I don’t wake up tomorrow, so that there is no driving at all,” he said.

“Life is unpredictable, but in general I’m very happy where I’m at and I hope – and it was still the target that we set out when we signed the new deal – that I would drive here until the end of my career.”

As Red Bull navigates this new chapter, Verstappen’s focus remains clear: deliver a car capable of fighting for championships.

With Mekies at the helm and a critical 2026 season looming, the Dutchman’s future may hinge on results, not relationships. For now, he’s keeping his eyes on the track and his faith in Red Bull’s potential.

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