Max Verstappen was taken aback by swirling rumors suggesting that Christian Horner, the steadfast team principal of Red Bull Racing, could lose his job if the team’s anticipated upgrades at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix fail to deliver the expected results.
These sensational claims originated from Italy, implying that Horner might lose the crucial backing of Red Bull GmbH’s Thai shareholders, led by Chalerm Yoovidhya, if improvements don’t manifest decisively on the track. Yet, those with close ties to the situation confided in sources like PlanetF1.com, asserting that these speculations lack any factual foundation. The shareholders reportedly remain unworried by a temporary dip in the team’s competitive edge.
Horner, who has been at the helm of the team since 2005, is currently secured with a contract extending until the close of the 2030 F1 season. Verstappen expressed skepticism about the origins of these rumors. Speaking to Sky Italy, he admitted, “Honestly, I have no idea where they come from.” He further noted his general disinterest in such gossip, questioning, “who even puts that in the world?”
The four-time World Champion acknowledged that Red Bull isn’t completely content with their current performance, but emphasized their ongoing efforts to enhance competitiveness. “Everyone wants to perform better,” he pointed out, reflecting a universal sentiment in the high-stakes world of racing.
With McLaren leading both championships, Red Bull is busy focusing on improvements rather than distractions. As it stands, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri currently leads the Drivers’ standings, trailed by teammate Lando Norris, with Verstappen following closely behind. In the Constructors’ standings, McLaren holds a significant lead over Mercedes, with Red Bull following in third.
Verstappen, who has been distanced by similar speculation regarding a potential move to Mercedes or Aston Martin, remains firm in his commitment to Red Bull, at least until his contract concludes in 2028. He reiterated a personal sense of continuity and loyalty to the team.
In light of these tumultuous reports, Verstappen stressed that their main aim is to better the car’s performance. “We have been constantly upgrading the car,” he stated, albeit cautiously managing expectations, “This track is not suddenly where the magic happens.” His focus remained on tangible improvements, rather than indulging in baseless speculation.
As rumors continue to circulate, Verstappen’s confidence in Red Bull’s strategy and leadership remains undeterred. The team’s dedication to improving their performance on the track takes precedence over the whims of unfounded gossip.
