Max Verstappen has addressed Christian Horner’s sacking, explaining that it doesn’t affect his decision to remain with or leave Red Bull. The four-time world champion has been heavily linked with a switch to Mercedes, but looks likely to stay with his current employers. Horner was dismissed after the British Grand Prix, bringing an end to a 20-year career that started with the team’s inception in 2005.
The 51-year-old was sacked with Red Bull slumped in fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship standings, and Verstappen 69 points behind Drivers’ Championship leader Oscar Piastri. Many have speculated that Horner’s sacking was a desperate ploy from Red Bull’s senior leadership team to retain the services of their star driver. According to Verstappen, however, it will have no impact on his decision.
“No, it doesn’t really,” the Dutchman said ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. “People can have a difference of opinion, and I expect that to happen, because if everyone agrees, there is a problem.
“You need to have differences in opinion. Now we will work in a different direction, and I am excited about it, and I don’t think it will matter at all for the decision over my future.
“The only thing that matters is that we work on the car and make it as fast as we can, and try and be more competitive this year, a little bit, but for sure with the new regulations.”
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Verstappen was then probed further about the debate surrounding his Red Bull future. “There is also the possibility of not waking up tomorrow, and so there is no driving,” he replied.