The speculation about a farewell to Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing after the 2025 Formula 1 season does not tear off. Allegedly, the four-fold world champion already agreed with Mercedes. Team boss Christian Horner has now commented on the rumors about his driver and also sworn across a possible top replacement.
Does he stay with Red Bull Racing or joins Max Verstappen Mercedes? This question is easy to answer for Christian Horner.
“Max has a contract until 2028. He clearly said that he would like to end his career in a Red Bull. I think that is something very special and unique for him,” emphasized the Red Bull team boss after the first free training of Formula 1 at the Grand Britain in Silverstone on Friday.
Of course, there will always be speculation about the best driver of the current generation, Horner continues.
However, he thinks “that we are all quite satisfied with what the situation is. Internally we know where we are.” Does this also apply to Horner, which also exists rumors due to the continuing weakness of the Austrian racing team?
Video: What is going on between Mercedes and Verstappen?
In any case, like him, Verstappen was at Red Bull Racing from the start and has collected all his success there, Horner recalled. “He is an important part of our team and has great confidence in the team and the people around him,” emphasized the Brit.
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The problem: The bolide that Verstappen has available can no longer keep up with McLaren’s now hurried competition, and Mercedes and Ferrari have also passed. Therefore, the Dutch should deal with a change to the silver arrows, which should have a strong package for 2026 if the new technical regulations apply.
“Sky Sport Italia” recently reported that Verstappen had even agreed with team boss Christian Horner.
The Dutch had not fueled the rumors on Thursday. “I am happy where I am,” said Verstappen in front of the twelfth season race on Sunday (4:00 p.m./Sky). He did not want to “not have any more headlines. It would be ideal to end my career at Red Bull.”
“It is absolutely intended to drive for us in 2026. It is inevitable that Max is of great interest to every other team in the pit lane,” said Horner: “We concentrate on the areas in which we have to improve.”
If in the end, Horner already has a plan B ready and it is “Oscar Pastri”, as he emphasized on request. The McLaren man currently leads the World Cup ranking and has a long-term contract with McLaren. However, Horner only called the Australian joke and with a wink.