Verstappen speaks out after Horner's dismissal and his future at Red Bull

Dutch Formula 1 (F1) driver Max Verstappen doesn't believe Christian Horner's dismissal from Red Bull "will matter at all," amid speculation he could leave the team at the end of this season.

"Life is unpredictable, but overall I'm very happy where I am and I hope—and it was still the goal we set when we signed the new contract—that I would drive here until the end of my career," Verstappen said Thursday at the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen has won the last four F1 titles under Horner's tutelage, but this year he sits third in the standings, behind Oscar Piastri and McLaren's Lando Norris.

"The relationship between Christian and I doesn't change. Of course, he's not here now during a race weekend, but he's still like a second family to me," Verstappen said.

The Dutch driver's contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but it has been suggested that a performance clause could allow him to leave earlier. The exact details are not public.

"I don't think it matters at all for my decision in the future, and the only thing that matters is that we work on the car and do it as quickly as possible," Verstappen said. "The last year and a half hasn't been what we wanted to be. Now we're trying to be a little more competitive this year, but certainly also with the new regulations."

Laurent Mekies of sister team Racing Bulls replaced Horner as team principal.

"I've already had a few meetings with him. I can't say now, two weeks from now, without any on-track action, that suddenly everything is different or better, but we're trying to be better and it's been good," said Max Verstappen.

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