Max Verstappen has reaffirmed that Christian Horner’s dramatic dismissal will not influence his trajectory with Red Bull, stressing that the team must prioritize performance under new leadership. Addressing the media at Spa-Francorchamps, the reigning world champion dismissed speculation about internal turmoil and emphasized the need to “look ahead” under the stewardship of Laurent Mekies, who officially assumes the role of team principal this weekend.
The seismic shift in Red Bull’s hierarchy follows a protracted power struggle involving Austrian executives and Verstappen’s close allies, including Helmut Marko and his father, Jos Verstappen. Marko likened the move to football management, remarking, “When results falter, the coach simply has to go.” For Verstappen, however, the decision was neither shocking nor destabilizing. He acknowledged being informed only “half a day beforehand” by shareholders Mark Mateschitz and Chalerm Yoovidhya, remarking, “They run the team; I’m the driver. It’s their prerogative.”
Dismissing any notion of wavering loyalty, Verstappen was unequivocal: “It has no bearing on my future. I’m happy where I am. My ambition was always to conclude my career here.” While rumors have linked him to Mercedes—fueled by whispers of an encounter with Toto Wolff in Sardinia—Verstappen brushed off the chatter with characteristic nonchalance: “I was on holiday with friends and family. If others happen to be there, so be it.” Life’s unpredictability, he added, outweighs any conjecture: “There’s always a chance you don’t wake up tomorrow.”
Despite reports of friction between Horner and Jos Verstappen, Max was quick to defuse speculation, calling such disputes “unpleasant but unnecessary.” He underscored the enduring nature of his relationship with Horner: “I spoke to Christian today. That bond remains unbroken. He’s part of my second family at Red Bull.” At the same time, Verstappen expressed confidence in Mekies, lauding his intellect and determination during a challenging transition: “You can see the fire in him. He’s immensely motivated.”
Marko, for his part, praised Mekies’ integration, revealing that the Frenchman has streamlined his focus on race execution while delegating peripheral tasks—a stark contrast to Horner’s more expansive remit. Meanwhile, Red Bull has rolled out a pivotal aerodynamic upgrade at Spa, debuting a redesigned front wing as the team bids to regain momentum against resurgent rivals. With Verstappen’s affinity for the Ardennes circuit and Hamilton offering gracious words for Horner’s legacy, the stage is set for a defining weekend. For Verstappen, the message is clear: “There’s no use dwelling on the past. It doesn’t make you faster.”
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