Christian Horner’s departure as Purple Bull boss won’t have an effect on Max Verstappen’s future with Mercedes transfer rumoured.
Max Verstappen has insisted that Christian Horner’s shock departure as crew boss of Purple Bull may have no affect on his future plans.
The four-time world champion, who has been linked with a transfer to Mercedes subsequent yr, recommended on Thursday that he expects to stick with Purple Bull till the conclusion of his present contract in 2028.
Talking to reporters within the paddock earlier than this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, one in every of his “house” races as he was born in Belgium and his mom is Belgian, the 27-year-old Dutchman mentioned he was involved solely with bettering the pace and efficiency of his automobile.
The remaining, he mentioned, was not of nice curiosity to him, including that previous tensions between Horner and his father, Jos Verstappen, had no bearing on selections about his future.
Requested if Horner’s exit after 20 years as crew boss made it extra possible that he would keep at Purple Bull subsequent yr, Verstappen mentioned, “No, it doesn’t. Probably not.”
He mentioned the well-publicised discord between his father and Horner was by no means an issue.
“Individuals can have a distinction of opinion, and I anticipate that to occur as a result of if everybody agrees, there’s a downside.
“You should have variations in opinion. Now, we are going to work in a unique route, and I’m enthusiastic about it, and I don’t assume it’ll matter in any respect for the choice over my future.
“The one factor that issues is that we work on the automobile and make it as quick as we will and attempt to be extra aggressive this yr, slightly bit, however for positive with the brand new laws subsequent yr.”
Verstappen had earlier welcomed the appointment of Frenchman Laurent Mekies, promoted from junior crew Racing Bulls, as Horner’s successor and clearly sensed that it may usher in a stronger technical and engineering focus on the crew.
He gave an indirect response when requested if he had a call to make about his future.
“There may be additionally the potential for not waking up tomorrow, and so there isn’t a driving.
“Life is unpredictable and, normally, I’m pleased with the place I’m at.”
He added, “The goal was that once I signed my deal, I’d drive right here till the tip of my profession.”
Verstappen can be hoping to finish the hypothesis and provides each the crew and new boss Mekies a lift with a convincing efficiency this weekend on his favorite circuit.
The Dutchman finds himself within the unaccustomed place of third within the drivers’ standings, behind chief Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, each of McLaren.