Max Verstappen had dominated headlines – more so than usual – in the build-up to this weekend’s British GP. As links between the Dutchman and Mercedes persist, Christian Horner has responded to the speculation surrounding his marquee driver.
Christian Horner admits Verstappen is most “in-demand driver”
It would be a mistake to suggest this is the first time tensions have arisen at Red Bull.
At the beginning of 2024, the controversy surrounding Christian Horner created a significant rift in the team.
Jos Verstappen, father of Max, even suggested that Horner should resign for the damage inflicted by his leadership.
Although cooler heads prevailed, some of the fault lines from last year are still present.
According to AMuS, for example, Max Verstappen’s camp want Christian Horner to have less influence in Red Bull’s decision.
Whilst completely verifying this information is impossible, the dynamics at the Austrian team are clearly shifting.
Moreover, the persistent ties between Verstappen and Mercedes are becoming increasingly credible.
In different interviews this weekend, Horner has dismissed claims that the 4-time Champion could join the Silver Arrows.
However, the Red Bull team principal has not completely overlooked the interest surrounding his number one driver.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 51-year-old conceded that Red Bull must prove themselves to Verstappen:
“I think 2026 represents the biggest regulation changes, with both chassis and engine, probably in the last 50 years of Formula 1.
“Now Max is probably the most in-demand driver, he’s the best in the world…
“When you think of it objectively, ’26 – staying where he is – he’s going to have all those options.
“It won’t just be with one team, it will be with all the teams.
“And it’s down to us to demonstrate we’re on the right trajectory, we’re performing we’re progressing, and Red Bull is the right place for him to be longer-term.
“His desire, and he’s said it numerous times, is to finish his career in a Red Bull car. From start to finish.
“I think if he sees there is that potential, I don’t see why that isn’t achievable.
“Of course he’s also hungry to achieve more wins, more titles, that his talent deserves. So I think it’s more about 2027 than 2026.”
Red Bull struggle in Silverstone
For all the discussion and speculation currently swirling around, one constant in Formula 1 remains – performance is king.
If Red Bull can compete with McLaren and revive Verstappen’s title chances, the narrative surrounding the Dutchman’s future might change.
However, even after bringing updates last week in Austria, the RB21 looks off the pace.
McLaren remain the benchmark, with even Ferrari seemingly jumping Red Bull with their latest package.
To make matters worse for Red Bull, their long-term prospects for 2026 and beyond are in question.
As Horner eluded to, there are plenty of question marks about how his team will adapt to the new regulations.
Perhaps the biggest challenge to overcome will be power unit development – with Red Bull under immense pressure to compete with experienced manufacturers like Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda.
The complications facing the Austrian team in 2026 are partly why, even before their recent decline, Verstappen was loosely linked to a potential 2027 Mercedes move in previous months.
Of course, the situation has evolved radically in recent weeks.
Whilst Max Verstappen certainly isn’t guaranteed to stay at Red Bull, his future at Milton Keynes is more uncertain than ever.
Christian Horner knows this better than anyone else, and will undoubtedly emphasise how important the next few months are to his personnel.
Main photo: Mark Thompson/Getty Images (Red Bull content pool)
