Christian Horner shuts down “noise” over Max Verstappen’s Red Bull F1 future

The Red Bull boss says his team hasn’t spoken with drivers including George Russell as its “focus” remains on retaining Max Verstappen long-term

Christian Horner insists he is “fairly comfortable” that Max Verstappen will remain with the Red Bull Formula 1 squad – but stopped short of definitively stating the reigning world champion would be in the car beyond 2025.

Verstappen’s future has been one of the main talking points across the past few weeks and was again up for discussion ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix, with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff reportedly keen to take the Dutchman from 2026 onwards.

His Red Bull counterpart, however, was dismissive of ongoing speculation as Horner spoke to the media on Friday afternoon at Silverstone.

“There's obviously an awful lot of people talking about it,” he said. “What's most important is the relationship between the driver and the team. Obviously there's an agreement that defines that as well.

“Everyone is very clear on where we're at. Max has been with Red Bull since the very start of his career. All his success has come in Red Bull Racing cars. He's a big part of our team. He has a great deal of faith in the team and the people around him.

“Whilst there's always going to be speculation and noise, I think we all sit fairly comfortable with where we're at and what the situation is. You can't control the narrative of others, but internally we know where we're at.”

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / LAT Images via Getty Images

Verstappen himself has been asked about the links with Mercedes and has not moved to shut them down and – when given the chance to do so – Horner also seemingly left the door slightly ajar.

“Look, the contracts between the drivers and the teams are always going to remain confidential,” he added.

“With any driver's contract, there is an element of performance mechanism. And, of course, that exists within Max's contract.

“Now, absolutely, his intention is that he will be there and driving for us in 2026. Now, it's inevitable that he's of huge interest to any other team in the pitlane.

“I think, actually, probably George (Russell) triggered all this speculation, probably trying to leverage his own situation and force clarity, which you can understand, because he's driven a very good season as well this year.

“But inevitably, there will always be speculation about it. I think the most important thing is the clarity that exists between Max and the team, and that's very clear.”

George Russell, Mercedes

Photo by: Zak Mauger / LAT Images via Getty Images

As referenced by Horner, Russell’s contract situation at Mercedes has arguably driven the whole driver line-up conversation into motion – with the Briton yet to sign an extension to a deal that expires at the end of the current season.

Could, then, Russell be an option for Red Bull if Verstappen was tempted to move the other way?

“It's remarkable that George is still on the market,” said Horner when the prospect was put to him.

“We haven't engaged in any discussion with George, so he's obviously pretty confident that he's going to get to retain where he is. But, look, we've got a strength and depth within our team.

“In 2026, it is going to be a transformational year. It's the biggest rule change in Formula 1, probably in the last 50 years, where both chassis and power units are being introduced at the same time.

“Nobody with hand or heart can know what the pecking order is going to be. It could be either one of these gentlemen sat either side of me (McLaren or Aston Martin), it could be Ferrari, it could be Mercedes, it could be anyone.

“So I think there's an awful lot of subjectiveness to 2026, and it'll only be really this time next year that you'll have a clear indication of what that pecking order is. So there are no guarantees that jumping into a Mercedes car would automatically be a better proposition.”

Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

Horner even had time for a quip, when pushed on if he might have a Plan B, should Verstappen walk away from Red Bull; “Oscar Piastri,” he replied with a grin, while McLaren CEO Zak Brown was sat next to him.

“It's all as subjective as that,” Horner added. “We're very focused on our current drivers. Max has got a contract until 2028.

“He's made it quite clear that he would like to finish his career in a Red Bull car from start to finish. I think that's quite special and unique for him. That's what we're focused on.

“Ignoring the noise and focusing on the areas we know where we need to improve and how to do that.”