Horner: Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull has never been in doubt

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has emphasized Max Verstappen’s Despite rumors of a split last season the commitment to the team was never in doubt.

The Dutchman, who has won four Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championships with the Milton Keynes-based outfit, had questions raised about his future at several stages last term following turmoil within Red Bull, a car which was forced to retire at the end of the season. Many issues were faced in the middle and mercedes Team boss Toto Wolff’s courtship of Lewis Hamilton after his switch ferrari For the upcoming campaign.

Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull until the end of 2028 and when asked if any speculation about his future would continue into the new year, Horner told Autosport: “Max has always been absolutely with the team. Has been clear.

“His commitment has been unwavering. He enjoys the people he trusts and the people he works with and enjoys being a part of this team.”

“Of course, with the talent he has, I’m sure he’s on every team principal’s Christmas wish list. It’s inevitable. But, as long as we can continue to provide him with a competitive car and an environment in which he can enjoy racing, I don’t see any desire for him to live anywhere else.”

Pointing to comments from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix where Verstappen said he would leave if motorsport advisor Helmut Marko left, Horner replied: “Well, Helmut hasn’t gone and isn’t going, so I guess. That’s what Max is… He recognizes the value of the team and has really, once again, nurtured that during this period.

“When the car is not performing as you expected, your pitstops have to be strong, the strategy has to be good, your reliability has to be there, you have to make the right decision at the right time.”

Red Bull faced trouble after allegations were made against Horner before the season regarding his behavior towards a female employee, which led to weeks of speculation over his future within the team as a power struggle became apparent.

At one point, it looked as if Marko was headed out the door before that potential could even be locked in, while Verstappen’s father Jos added fuel to the flames by suggesting that Horner could remain at the top if The team will explode.

On how difficult it was to manage that period, Horner explained: “The thing is, as soon as you cross that red line and go into the garage, all the noise of the paddock is left behind you. And as soon as you cross that red line “Everything that crosses the line is business as usual.”

Horner was cleared of wrongdoing in an investigation launched by Red Bull into his behaviour, and asked whether he had changed his approach to managing the team following the incident, he said: “My role is unchanged. There’s a lot to it… I wear many hats trackside, I’m the team principal of a high performance sports team and from Monday to Friday, I’m the CEO of three technology businesses on chassis, engines and advanced technology. Am.

“So, nothing has changed, business as usual.”