Red Bull boss Christian Horner has insisted the team has an “open relationship” with Max Verstappen amid the rumours linking him with a move elsewhere in Formula 1.
Verstappen sealing his fourth consecutive Drivers’ title last season has done little to dispel the speculation surrounding his future amid the turmoil that’s occurred at Red Bull.
An investigation into allegations against Red Bull boss Christian Horner’s behaviour overshadowed the dominant start that set Verstappen en route to retaining his crown.
But while Horner was exonerated, Red Bull losing several senior figures coincided with a downturn in competitiveness which saw the Dutchman go on a 10-race winless run.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff tried to capitalise on the upheaval to make an ambitious pitch to sign Verstappen to replace Lewis Hamilton, who has now departed to Ferrari.
Verstappen has remained with Red Bull despite his entourage holding talks with Mercedes, but the German marque is well-poised to reignite its interest down the line.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin has also been touted as a potential destination due to the team’s vast investment towards renovating and upgrading its Silverstone headquarters.
Aston Martin, which is reported to have told prospective sponsors that it is working on a deal to lure Verstappen, has also acquired former Red Bull design guru Adrian Newey.
Horner, though, is unconcerned about such conjecture as he highlighted that the communication between Verstappen and the team comprises candid conversations.
“Max has a very open relationship with the team,” Horner told RacingNews365. “Of course, you discuss things openly, as in any form of partnership.”
Verstappen’s Red Bull doubts
Verstappen conceded upon his crowning moment in Las Vegas there were moments in 2024 when he considered whether he wanted to remain with Red Bull in the sport.
“Well, you know, to be honest, I think in your life, every year there are always thoughts going through your head,” Verstappen told media including Motorsport Week.
“How long do I still want to do this? Where do I want to do this? How do I want to do this?”
Verstappen has ‘loyalty’ to Red Bull
However, the reigning champion indicated that his allegiance to Red Bull, the team he has been associated with since 2014, would have a role in deciding his next career move.
“But at the same time, I’m also not someone that makes very drastic decisions at the same time,” he continued. “And I’m just very happy where I’m at at the moment.
“I’m very loyal to the team. And I also appreciate, of course, what they have done for me from picking me up out of F3 and giving me an F1 seat and then going through all these emotions over all the years with these key people in the team.”
Taking those comments into account, Horner believes Verstappen has outlined his desire to remain with Red Bull heading into the impending regulation overhaul in 2026.
“He’s made very clear what his position is towards the team,” he added. “And, of course, you’re always going to discuss things behind closed doors. That’s normal operation.”
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