Christian Horner exit doesn’t affect my Red Bull future – Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen says Christian Horner’s sudden dismissal does not guarantee his future at Red Bull.

Horner will not be at a Formula One race for the first time in two decades for this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix after he was “released” as team principal and CEO 16 days ago.

His departure came 17 months after he was accused by a female staff member of “inappropriate behaviour”. The 51-year-old, who oversaw 14 world championships, always denied the claims and was twice exonerated.

The allegations coincided with a slump in Red Bull’s form, with Verstappen taking just four victories from his last 26 appearances. He is 69 points off the championship pace at the midway stage of the season.

Verstappen’s father Jos claimed back in March of last year that Red Bull would “explode” if Horner was not moved on, and it had been speculated that Horner’s dismissal was a power play by the Verstappen camp.

But when asked if Horner’s exit will affect whether he stays beyond this season, Verstappen said: “No, it doesn’t really.

“People can have a difference of opinion, and I actually expect that to happen because if everyone always agrees, there is a problem.

“We work in a different direction, I’m excited about it, but I don’t think it will matter at all for my decision in the future. The last one and a half years have not been what we want to be. Now we will try and be more competitive.”

Verstappen, 27, has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, although a performance-related clause could activate an early release. Mercedes are known to be admirers and Toto Wolff and Verstappen were recently in Sardinia. However, both parties have dismissed their respective holidays as a coincidence.

Pressed as to whether there is a possibility he will not