Max Verstappen has confirmed that the departure of his former team principal, Christian Horner, will not impact his decision regarding his future in Formula 1. Verstappen, who is under contract with his current team until 2028, has been the subject of rumors suggesting a potential move to Mercedes.
During the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen and his Red Bull team will compete without Horner for the first time. Horner, who led the team for two decades without missing a single race, was recently relieved of his duties as team principal and chief executive.
Verstappen, when asked about the influence of Horner’s exit on his future plans, straightforwardly stated that it would not affect his decision. Under the leadership of the new boss, Laurent Mekies, Verstappen expressed his eagerness to explore new directions and improve the team’s performance in the near term.
The Dutch driver emphasized his focus on car development and speed optimization, highlighting the ongoing efforts to enhance competitiveness not only for the current season but also for the upcoming regulation changes in 2026.
Despite his clear stance on the matter, Verstappen maintained a level of ambiguity when questioned about the possibility of driving for Mercedes in the future, humorously pointing out the unpredictability of life. He reiterated his contentment with his current position and expressed hopes of continuing with his team until the end of his career.
Verstappen reassured fans that his commitment to remaining with his current team throughout his F1 career remains unwavering, irrespective of Horner’s absence. He emphasized the importance of looking forward and focusing on progress, acknowledging the team as a second family to him.
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