Max Verstappen says Christian Horner's surprise sacking does not confirm his future at Red Bull.
Horner will not race in Formula 1 for the first time in 20 years at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix after being “relieved” of his roles as team principal and chief executive 16 days ago.
His resignation came 17 months after a female staff member accused him of “inappropriate behaviour”. The 51-year-old, who led the team through 14 World Cups, has always denied the allegations and has twice been cleared of wrongdoing.
The allegations coincide with a dip in form for Red Bull, with Verstappen winning just four races in his last 26 starts and 69 points off title pace at the halfway point of the season.
Verstappen's father Jos claimed back in March last year that Red Bull would “explode” if Horner was not sacked, and there were suggestions that his sacking was a power play on Verstappen's part.
However, when asked whether Horner's departure would affect his decision to stay beyond this season, Verstappen said: “No, it won't really.
“People can have different opinions, and I really expect that to happen, because if everyone always agrees, then there is a problem.
“We are moving in a different direction and I am happy about that, but I don't think it will affect my decision in the future. The last year and a half have not been what we wanted them to be. Now we will try to be more competitive.”
Verstappen, 27, is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, although a performance clause could see his contract terminated early. Mercedes is known to be a fan of the team, with Toto Wolff and Verstappen recently visiting Sardinia. However, both partners described their holidays as a coincidence.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
