Red Bull Formula 1 boss Christian Horner is “certain” that Max Verstappen will complete his contract with the team amid rumours linking him with a potential move.
Verstappen has been associated with Red Bull throughout his entire F1 career to date, capitalising on its recent dominance to win three consecutive Drivers’ titles.
However, tension within the Red Bull camp has been evident ever since the revelation that Horner was being investigated over allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Although Horner has been cleared of those accusations, Verstappen’s father, Jos, claimed that the Briton’s continued involvement could “tear apart” the operation.
When he was asked about the inference that Verstappen could leave if he remained, Horner said: “Look, I’m obviously aware of the comments that were made.
“There was a discussion subsequent to the race, and I think everybody’s focus is very much on the future.
“The team’s focus is very much on defending both of these World titles that we fought so hard to achieve, Max’s three successive World titles to build on that. The 55 victories that he’s achieved, the 114 victories that as a team we’ve achieved and now sit tied with Williams on the amount of Grand Prix victories.
“So, you know, our focus is very much on the future, and as I say, discussions took place following the race in Bahrain, and we’re all looking forward.”
Horner added that discussions had been held between the two parties but he asserted that he would not be willing to disclose the contents of the conversations.
“I think I’m not going to air all the discussions that are private between the parties, but discussions have been inevitably had and the team is focused on the challenges that are ahead of us,” he commented. “The team is very focused on the season ahead.”
Following the Bahrain Grand Prix, Verstappen Sr was pictured speaking with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who is seeking to replace the Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.
But when Verstappen was asked ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix about his contractual situation, the Dutchman pledged his long-term commitment to Red Bull.
With Red Bull having brought Verstappen into F1 and provided him with the cars to win 55 races to date, Horner can’t foresee him departing the reigning champions.
“I’m certain that he will,” Horner replied regarding Verstappen choosing to stick with Red Bull. “He’s got a great team around him. He’s got great faith in that team.
“We’ve achieved an awful lot together. He’s committed to an agreement until 2028. From a team side, from Max’s side, we’re determined to build on the success that we’ve achieved already. Those 55 victories have all come in Red Bull cars. All of the podiums have come in Red Bull racing cars. We’re determined to build on that and add, hopefully, many more in the future.”
Lewis Hamilton voiced his opinion that Jos’ comments were inappropriate, stating that a parental figure’s presence in a driver’s endeavours is a “thin line to walk”.
Questioned on whether Verstappen Sr’s attendance was a distraction, Horner shrugged off the deep involvement that he has maintained in Max’s racing career.
“Obviously, Max’s father has played a key role in his career and getting him to Formula 1,” he acknowledged. “Obviously, Jos is his own man. Max is his own man as well.
“We’ve seen him go from being a teenager when he joined us to now very much a young man that’s achieved what he has.
“It’s not for me to comment on relationships between fathers and drivers. They’re all unique between the different individuals.”
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