Max Verstappen states that the departure of team boss Christian Horner at Red Bull Racing does not affect his future. The world champion elaborated on Thursday on the new course his team is taking.
Verstappen was informed about the Horner news via a call from the Red Bull top brass half a day before it became public. “That seems like the most normal course of action, to hear it that way,” Verstappen said at Spa-Francorchamps.
Verstappen did not want to elaborate on the details of the conversation, but it is clear that a new course is being pursued. “They wanted change. And I said: ‘Okay, if you think this is the right way: I’m the driver, you decide. And that’s how we’ll do it’. If they want to tell more about the motivations, you’ll hear it on its own.”
It didn’t even come as a big surprise to Verstappen that Horner had disappeared after twenty years as captain of the Red Bull ship. “You know how it can go in this world,” he said.
“The team members may have been a little overwhelmed at first. But I was at the factory the day after the announcement to do my simulator work. You just get back to work. Prepare for Spa: that’s what you focus on. That’s my job. That’s what I get paid for.”
‘People can disagree’
However, there were still two hot topics about which Verstappen had to give a final answer. He did so in part, including about the poor relationship between his father Jos and Horner.
“People can of course disagree,” he said about that issue. “I expect that too. If everyone agrees with each other, there is a problem. Disagreements are necessary. And now we are going in a different direction.”
And then there is the future of Verstappen himself, who still has not confirmed that he will drive for Red Bull next year despite a continuing contract. “In any case, this makes absolutely no difference to my decision whether to stay at Red Bull,” said the Dutchman.
“For me, it is important that we can continue to work on the car to make it as fast as possible. That didn’t work for the last year and a half. We are trying to become a bit more competitive this year, but especially next year with the new rules. That will be very important for everyone.”
Whether those steps can be taken also depends on the functioning of Horner’s successor Laurent Mekies. In any case, the Frenchman is liked by Verstappen. “I like Laurent. He is very nice and a smart guy. He has worked in many places in the paddock, that can help.”
‘Was just on vacation in Sardinia’
Verstappen did not address the question of whether there is a chance that he will drive somewhere else next year. “There is also a chance that I won’t wake up tomorrow. Then there won’t be any driving at all,” smiled the Limburger, who did hint that it is his wish to stay at Red Bull.
“Life is unpredictable. But I am very happy with where I am. I hope, and that was also the goal when I signed my contract, that I will drive here until the end of my career.”
Verstappen also saw all the internet rumors about a secret meeting with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff in Sardinia. “I was swimming in the sea there. I don’t care about it all. I was just on vacation with my friends and family. It can happen that there are other people there at the same time. There are more people on that island than just me and Toto.”
Although Verstappen did not want to look back, he still had some nice words for Horner. “We have had great years with great results. But the last year and a half have not gone as we would have liked. So now a change of course has been decided. Everyone must of course go along with that and look ahead again.”
“Although I will of course continue to remember the last eleven years here. The relationship with Christian does not change. Of course he is not here now, but he is still a kind of second family to me.”