Verstappen backs Red Bull reset after Horner dismissal

Max Verstappen says the shock dismissal of Christian Horner will not affect his future at Red Bull, declaring that the team must now focus on performance under new boss Laurent Mekies.

Speaking Thursday at Spa-Francorchamps, Verstappen addressed the long-simmering internal tensions that led to Horner’s ousting, reportedly driven by Red Bull’s Austrian leadership and key Verstappen allies, including Helmut Marko and Jos Verstappen.

"In Formula 1, the changes are like football," Marko told Kleine Zeitung. "If things don't work out, the coach simply has to go."

Verstappen reflected on the team’s past: "If you look back on the more than 20 years of Red Bull Racing, you can see that we've had many great years with strong results.

"Of course, there were also times when things weren't going so well, and I think the last year and a half haven't gone as planned.

"Management has decided that a different direction is needed, and everyone else has to agree and look forward, and I'm looking forward."

He said he was informed of Horner’s departure "maybe half a day beforehand" by shareholders Mark Mateschitz and Chalerm Yoovidhya.

"They run the team, and I am the driver. It's their right to do what they want," Verstappen said.

Asked if the move impacted his future, Verstappen was clear: "It has no influence on what I'm doing. From my side, there's nothing to say about my future. I'm happy with where I'm at."

He added: "There's also a possibility I won't wake up tomorrow. Life is unpredictable. Overall, I'm just happy where I am. The goal was always to finish my career here."

Still, Verstappen’s future beyond 2025 remains undecided. According to De Telegraaf, an exit clause tied to championship standings remains active through the summer break.

When asked about his rumoured meeting with Toto Wolff in Sardinia, Verstappen shrugged: "I was on vacation with friends and family. If other people happen to be there at the same time, yeah, that can happen."

On the well-publicised tension between Horner and his father Jos, Verstappen said: "Arguments like that are not nice and unnecessary. But people can have different opinions - and if everyone agrees, then there's a problem."

Despite the power struggle, Verstappen insisted his relationship with Horner remains intact. "I've spoken to Christian. I spoke to him even today," he said.

"That relationship will never change. We've experienced so many things together… From my side, the team feels like a second family, and Christian is included in that."

Verstappen also praised Mekies, who officially takes over this weekend: "I like Laurent. He's a nice guy and a very smart person. The last two weeks have been quite intense for him, but he's incredibly motivated. You can see the fire burning inside him."

Marko, speaking to Kleine Zeitung, backed the transition: "The transition went very well. Laurent knows people, he approaches people. Hopefully that will have a positive effect," he said, dismissing reports of internal resignations.

He added: "Mekies has already adjusted a few details in the simulator preparation. He focuses more on the racing action and is less involved in other departments. His responsibilities as team principal have been reduced compared to Horner's."

Mekies, speaking to F1.com, underlined Red Bull’s backing for Verstappen: "Red Bull is hugely committed to Max. He is central to the project, and we need his magic at the racetrack. The best way to show that commitment is by giving him the best possible car."

This weekend, Red Bull has introduced a new front wing at Spa, part of what Marko described as a key update to "close the gap" to rivals.

"It's also one of Max's favourite tracks, where his exceptional talent shines through," Marko said. "We hope to be right up there with the frontrunners."

Even Lewis Hamilton weighed in on Horner’s exit: "It's remarkable what he did with the team," he said. "I wouldn't say we hit it off from the get-go, but clearly, he ran the organisation with talent and skill. I wish him all the best."

As for Verstappen, his focus remains unchanged: "We have to just keep working and get the performance here on track," he said. "There's no point in looking back. It doesn't make you faster."