Horner: Verstappen loyalty to Red Bull ‘unwavering’ despite rumors
Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner says Max Verstappen’s loyalty to the Milton Keynes-based team never “wavered” last year despite the bulls’ tumultuous campaign.
Red Bull endured a turbulent 2024 season, with internal challenges and car performance issues mid-season creating an atmosphere ripe for rumors.
Questions about Verstappen’s future intensified after Lewis Hamilton’s highly publicized move to Ferrari left Mercedes in search of a marquee driver.
Adding to the speculation were Verstappen’s own comments at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where he hinted at his loyalty being tied to the presence in the team of Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko.
Yet Horner is adamant that Verstappen’s commitment remained steadfast.
“Max has always been crystal clear with the team,” Horner told Motorsport.com.
“His commitment has been unwavering. He enjoys the people that he trusts and the people that he works with and enjoys very much being a part of this team.
“Of course, with the talent that he has, I’m sure he’s on every team principal’s Christmas wish list. That’s inevitable.
“But, as long as we can continue to provide him with a competitive car and an environment that he enjoys racing in, I don’t see any desire for him to be anywhere else.”
Helmut Marko’s Role in Verstappen’s Loyalty
On the topic of Marko’s presence being integral to Verstappen’s continued allegiance to Red Bull, Horner sees no changes on the horizon to his driver’s inner circle.
“Well, Helmut hasn’t left and isn’t leaving, so I think that Max is… he recognizes the value of the team, and that’s really, again, what he’s nurtured during this period,” Horner said.
“When the car isn’t delivering as you hope, your pitstops have got to be strong, the strategy has gotta be good, your reliability’s gotta be there, you’ve gotta be making the right decisions at the right moments.”
Navigating Internal Challenges
Red Bull’s car performance issues materialized at the beginning of the summer. But earlier in the year, the team rocked by allegations of misconduct against Horner, sparking weeks of speculation about his future.
The situation appeared to create a power struggle, and Verstappen’s father, Jos, added fuel to the fire by claiming the team might implode with Horner at the helm.
Yet, despite the noise, Horner emphasized the team’s ability to maintain focus.
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“The thing is, as soon as you step across that red line into the garage, you leave behind all the noise from the paddock,” he said.
“And as soon as you went across that red line, everything is business as normal.”
“My role remains unchanged,” he stated. “There’s an awful lot… I wear many hats with [being] trackside, I’m the team principal of a high-performing sports team.
“And from Monday to Friday, I’m the CEO of three technology businesses on chassis, engine, and advanced technology.
“So, nothing has changed, business as normal.”
Looking Ahead
With Verstappen under contract through 2028, Red Bull appears determined to move past the challenges of 2024 and provide their star driver with a competitive car for the coming seasons.
Horner’s confidence in Verstappen’s loyalty suggests the team is ready to continue their partnership at the front of the grid, silencing the rumors that briefly threatened to overshadow their ambitions.
For Red Bull, stability at the helm and on the track will be crucial as they aim to reclaim their dominant form in 2025 and beyond.
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