The future of Max Verstappen with Red Bull remains uncertain despite the recent dismissal of team principal Christian Horner. This unexpected change at the helm of the Milton Keynes-based squad has sparked widespread speculation about Verstappen’s intentions heading into the remainder of the season.
Red Bull’s decision to remove Horner, who had led the team since its 2005 debut, was largely interpreted as a move to retain Verstappen, the four-time world champion. However, insiders suggest that no guarantees exist regarding Verstappen’s continued presence with Red Bull, even after Horner’s departure. Discussions between Mercedes and Verstappen’s representatives have reportedly taken place, indicating potential interest beyond Red Bull.
Verstappen’s current contract includes a performance-related clause allowing him to exit at the end of this year if certain conditions are met. The clause adds complexity to his future plans, especially since the team has faced challenges with the car’s development this season, impacting Verstappen’s assessment of Red Bull’s competitiveness moving forward.
Assessing the Impact of Horner’s Departure on Verstappen’s Decision
Erik van Haren, a respected Dutch F1 journalist, emphasized that while Horner’s exit might be aimed at stabilizing the team and creating a more harmonious environment, it does not ensure Verstappen’s stay. He noted,
“I think what’s most important for Verstappen is that the team is making steps with the car,”
—Erik van Haren, F1 Journalist
Van Haren highlighted that Red Bull is still grappling with car performance issues, which will heavily influence Verstappen’s choice. He added,
“Maybe it gives Red Bull a better chance to keep him in the team but that’s not a guarantee at this point.”
—Erik van Haren, F1 Journalist
These remarks underline the ongoing uncertainty as Verstappen weighs his options, considering both team dynamics and technical developments.
Max Verstappen to Decide His Future by August Break
Van Haren also forecasted that Verstappen would reach a decision about his future before the August summer break in the Formula 1 calendar. He explained,
“I think he will make up his mind this month,”
—Erik van Haren, F1 Journalist
and further elaborated,
“They have two race weeks to go before the summer break, so he has a lot of time to think and also to see how the car is performing.”
—Erik van Haren, F1 Journalist
This timeline suggests Verstappen is closely monitoring the team’s progress in the coming races before committing to his next chapter.
Industry Voices on Red Bull’s Prospects to Retain Verstappen
Former Formula 1 driver and commentator Martin Brundle expressed the view that Horner’s removal could strengthen Red Bull’s chances of keeping Verstappen, who remains under contract through 2028 but retains a conditional exit option. Brundle remarked,
“Max has often said he wants to see his career out at Red Bull if he can,”
—Martin Brundle, F1 Commentator
He also explained the significance of Red Bull’s upcoming technical plans, noting that the next season will introduce the team’s own engine, marking the greatest shift in car and power unit design in F1 history. According to Brundle, Horner has been central to managing these developments, which adds further uncertainty given his exit.
Addressing Verstappen’s exit clause related to his position in the World Championship standings, Brundle said,
“Max has an exit clause based on where he is in the World Championship at the end of this month. Does this mean he’s more likely to go or stay? I can only surmise it means he’s more likely to stay at the team.”
—Martin Brundle, F1 Commentator
Despite Brundle’s optimism, the situation remains delicate, with Verstappen’s future hinging on both competitive performances and the team‘s internal dynamics.
Ongoing Uncertainty Surrounding the Four-Time World Champion’s Path
The tension created by Horner’s departure and the potential shifts within Red Bull underline the fragile nature of Verstappen’s position. While the team seeks to reassure their star driver by addressing leadership and technical challenges, Verstappen’s decision will ultimately depend on how convinced he is that Red Bull can provide a car capable of championship success.
With talks between Verstappen and rival teams reportedly underway and a performance-linked exit clause looming, the upcoming weeks carry significant weight. Verstappen’s choice will not only impact his career but could also reshape the competitive landscape of Formula 1.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Max Verstappen a billionaire?
A. Different sources state that Max Verstappen’s net worth is about $210 million.
Q. Is Max Verstappen’s child a boy?
A. MIAMI — Max Verstappen shared news that he and his partner, Kelly Piquet, welcomed their first baby. The four-time world champion posted on Instagram about their daughter, Lily, on Friday.
Q. Is Penelope not Max Verstappen’s daughter?
A. Kelly Piquet, the partner of Verstappen, is the daughter of former world champion Nelson Piquet. She has a daughter named Penelope from her past relationship with Daniil Kvyat, a former F1 driver. Verstappen has built a strong bond with Penelope and recently mentioned this when questioned if fatherhood could affect his racing speed.
Q. Who is Max Verstappen’s girlfriend’s baby daddy?
A. Before she started dating Verstappen, she was known to be with another F1 driver, Daniil Kvyat. With Kvyat, she had a daughter in 2019. On May 2, Piquet and Verstappen shared the news about the birth of their first child, Lily. “Welcome to the world, sweet Lily,” they announced.