Christian Horner’s departure as Crimson Bull boss won’t have an effect on Max Verstappen’s future with Mercedes transfer rumoured.
Max Verstappen has insisted that Christian Horner’s shock departure as workforce boss of Crimson Bull can have no influence on his future plans.
The four-time world champion, who has been linked with a transfer to Mercedes subsequent 12 months, advised on Thursday that he expects to stick with Crimson Bull till the conclusion of his present contract in 2028.
Talking to reporters within the paddock earlier than this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, one among his “house” races as he was born in Belgium and his mom is Belgian, the 27-year-old Dutchman mentioned he was involved solely with enhancing the velocity and efficiency of his automobile.
The remainder, he mentioned, was not of nice curiosity to him, including that previous tensions between Horner and his father, Jos Verstappen, had no bearing on choices about his future.
Requested if Horner’s exit after 20 years as workforce boss made it extra possible that he would keep at Crimson Bull subsequent 12 months, Verstappen mentioned, “No, it doesn’t. Not likely.”
He mentioned the well-publicised discord between his father and Horner was by no means an issue.
“Individuals can have a distinction of opinion, and I anticipate that to occur as a result of if everybody agrees, there’s a downside.
“It’s essential have variations in opinion. Now, we’ll work in a special course, and I’m enthusiastic about it, and I don’t suppose it is going to matter in any respect for the choice over my future.
“The one factor that issues is that we work on the automobile and make it as quick as we will and attempt to be extra aggressive this 12 months, somewhat bit, however for positive with the brand new laws subsequent 12 months.”
Verstappen had earlier welcomed the appointment of Frenchman Laurent Mekies, promoted from junior workforce Racing Bulls, as Horner’s successor and clearly sensed that it might usher in a stronger technical and engineering focus on the workforce.
He gave an indirect response when requested if he had a call to make about his future.
“There may be additionally the potential for not waking up tomorrow, and so there isn’t a driving.
“Life is unpredictable and, typically, I’m pleased with the place I’m at.”
He added, “The goal was that once I signed my deal, I’d drive right here till the tip of my profession.”
Verstappen will probably be hoping to finish the hypothesis and provides each the workforce and new boss Mekies a lift with a convincing efficiency this weekend on his favorite circuit.
The Dutchman finds himself within the unaccustomed place of third within the drivers’ standings, behind chief Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, each of McLaren.