Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner said “I can’t see any reason why anybody would want to step out of this team,” amid rumours linking Max Verstappen to a shock switch to Mercedes.
2024 has started perfectly for Red Bull on the track with Saturday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix serving up a Verstappen-led Red Bull one-two for the second week in a row.
However, off the track, the team has been embroiled in turmoil following an investigation into claims made against Horner’s alleged behaviour.
An investigation dismissed the allegations but after Jos Verstappen claimed Horner remaining at Red Bull “is not good for the team,” and was seen speaking with Toto Wolff, speculation has hinted Max could potentially be looking for pastures new.
“I’m sure every team in the paddock would love to have Max, but as Toto also said, the best drivers always want to be in the best cars,” Horner said in response to whether he thinks Verstappen leaving Red Bull is a possibility.
“Max has achieved his 56th Grand Prix victory today and his 100th podium, all of which have been in Red Bull Racing Cars.
“As a team, we perform exceptionally well together and everybody has a role to play in that team, whether it’s from the designers, the support staff, the operational staff, all the way through, all the different departments, the 22 different departments that make up Red Bull Racing.
“If everybody isn’t doing their part, you don’t have a performance like this. So as a team, we’re performing at an exceptionally high level and we expect to see that continue.
“You can never say never. If a driver doesn’t want to be somewhere, then they’ll go somewhere else.
“But as a team, I can’t see any reason why anybody would want to step out of this team. I think he’s got a great support around him and he’s doing a wonderful job with a great car.”
One person pivotal within the Red Bull setup whose future looked uncertain was Red Bull GmbH Advisor Helmut Marko.
Reports emerged Friday suggesting Marko was subject to an investigation relating to leaks in the media and the Austrian hinted his time with Red Bull could be at an end.
The situation developed through Saturday with Marko’s position remaining untroubled, but after Verstappen said if an important figure such as the Red Bull Advisor were to leave it “would not be good for my situation,” Horner was quizzed on his relationship with both.
“My relationship with Helmut is no issue, I think that he’s always outspoken, but that’s Helmut,” Horner said.
Regarding Verstappen, the Red Bull Team Principal said, “It’s absolutely fine with Max.
“He’s working well within the team. There’s no tension. There’s no stress. You can see how relaxed he is around the garage with everybody in the team.
“That’s translating to his performance on track as well. We don’t see any issues with Max.
“The success of the team relies on everyone wanting to be here. Max has his contract until 2028.
“He’s been here since he was 18 years of age. I have no doubt of his commitment and passion going forward.”
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