Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner is adamant that there are no internal issues between three-time world champion Max Verstappen and the rest of the outfit.
The Austrian team has enjoyed the perfect start to the Formula 1 season, winning both of the opening two races, but chaos is lurking in the background.
Allegations against Horner about a claim of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague have disrupted a previously harmonious team.
This has led to Red Bull being scrutinised, and doubts have been raised over Verstappen’s and motorsports advisor Dr Helmut Marko’s future.
Horner said: “I have no doubt of his commitment and passion going forward.
“It’s absolutely fine with Max,” he said. “He’s working well within the team. There’s no tension, there’s no stress, and you can see how relaxed he is around the garage with everybody in the team.
“That’s translating into his performance on the track as well. So we don’t see any issues with Max.”
Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028 and has driven for the Austrian team since 2016, winning on his debut at the Spanish Grand Prix.
The Dutchman has won 56 races and enjoyed unprecedented success in 2023, winning 19 of the 22 races.
The Red Bull team boss commended the reigning world champion’s dedication but warned that no one should be forced to remain in the team because they have a contract if they do not want to be there.
“It’s like anything in life: you can’t force somebody to be somewhere just because of a piece of paper,” said Horner.
“If somebody didn’t want to be at this team, then we’re not going to force somebody, against their will, to be here. That applies whether it’s a machine operator, designer, or somebody in one of the support functions running through the business.
“Being involved in a team like this involves commitment and passion. Max has that. We’ve seen that; he’s been here since he was 18 years old.”
Verstappen has driven a dominant Red Bull over the past couple of seasons. Horner thinks the quality of the car available to the Dutchman will determine where he drives in the future.
“Look, I’m sure every team in the paddock would love to have Max,” added Horner. “But as Toto also said, the best drivers always want to be in the best cars.
“We are a team. Max achieved his 56th Grand Prix victory today and his 100th podium, all of which were in Red Bull Racing cars. As a team, we perform exceptionally well together.
“You can never say never though. If a driver doesn’t want to be somewhere, then they’ll go somewhere else, but as a team, I can’t see any reason why anyone would want to step out of this team. I think he has great support around him, and he’s doing a wonderful job with a great car.“
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff will have a changed line-up for 2025; Lewis Hamilton is switching to Ferrari after 12 seasons at the German team.
Wolff admitted he would be delighted to welcome Verstappen to Mercedes to fill the vacant seat but said improving the current W15 car is the main priority.
“I’d love to have him, but first, we need to sort out our car. I think we owe it to our drivers, George [Russell] and Lewis [Hamilton], to improve the car and give them equipment that is good before dreaming about the future.“
The drive has many highly talented candidates, including Fernando Alonso and Mercedes protege Kimi Antonelli.
The Austrian told oe24 that Verstappen will aim to be in the best car and urged the team to deliver a winning car at Mercedes to attract the top drivers.
“Every team would love to take Max because he is the strongest driver; that’s logical! But as I said, the driver will always try to be in the strongest car.
“That’s why we have to do our homework beforehand so that the car performs. Mercedes could become a real alternative for Max.
“We have a seat available in 2025 and 2026,” he said. “But Max will drive where there is the fastest car, and today that is the Red Bull.“
Nonetheless, with new engine regulations coming in 2026, the Austrian knows the possibility of Mercedes being an extremely attractive option for Verstappen will be there as they dominated for seven seasons following the switch to V6’s in 2014.
“There will actually be completely new regulations from 2026, especially in terms of the engine. That gives us the opportunity to hopefully do as well as we did in 2014. If you can be there early as a driver, that’s obviously an advantage.“
On what the Dutchman should do concerning his future, Wolff said: “I think this is a decision that Max needs to take. There is no team up and down the grid who wouldn’t do handstands to have him in a car.”
