Christian Horner Expresses Confidence in Max Verstappen

Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, has expressed unwavering confidence in Max Verstappen’s commitment to the team, affirming that the triple Formula One champion will fulfill his contract, which extends until 2028. This declaration comes amidst speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future following allegations against Horner and discussions initiated by Verstappen’s father, Jos.

Horner’s assurance comes after he was recently cleared of allegations made by a female employee, an incident that stirred controversy and raised questions about the team’s stability. Despite the turbulence, Horner remains resolute in his belief that Verstappen’s dedication to the team and their shared success will prevail.

During a press conference at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Horner emphasized Verstappen’s faith in the team and their track record of achievement. With 55 victories under their belt, the partnership between Verstappen and Red Bull Racing has yielded considerable success, further solidifying the Dutch driver’s commitment to the team’s long-term vision.

While speculation continues to swirl, Horner remains steadfast in his conviction that Verstappen’s loyalty lies with Red Bull Racing. The team’s consistent performance and Verstappen’s integral role within it serve as compelling reasons for him to honor his contractual obligations.

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Max Verstappen expects a close qualifying, but also reckons other teams ran more engine power:

"It will be again very, very tight, I think that [qualifying] is probably where other people are probably a bit better than us, over one lap. Our car probably comes a bit more alive… pic.twitter.com/b3l8N33UEL
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) March 7, 2024

Meanwhile, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has refrained from ruling out the possibility of Verstappen joining Mercedes, citing his own unexpected move to Ferrari as evidence that anything is possible in Formula One. Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes has reshaped the landscape of the sport, prompting speculation about potential driver movements.

Verstappen’s exceptional talent and track record have undoubtedly caught the attention of rival teams, with Mercedes driver George Russell acknowledging that any team would covet the Dutchman’s services. However, Verstappen’s contractual obligations and the formidable performance of Red Bull Racing’s car present significant hurdles for any potential move.

The rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen reached its zenith during the 2021 season, marked by intense battles on the track and contentious moments off it. Despite the controversies, both drivers have maintained a mutual respect for each other’s abilities, acknowledging the unpredictability of the sport and the external factors that influence decision-making.

Verstappen himself remains calm and content within the Red Bull Racing fold, emphasizing the team’s strong performance and his satisfaction with their current trajectory. While acknowledging the unpredictable nature of Formula One, Verstappen reaffirms his commitment to the team and dismisses any notions of departure.

As the Formula One season unfolds, the speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future adds an intriguing layer of intrigue to the sport. However, amidst the uncertainty, one thing remains clear: Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull Racing and his determination to achieve further success with the team.