Red Bull eyes the future amid Max Verstappen exit speculation
Christian Horner Prepares Red Bull for a Future Without Max Verstappen
SILVERSTONE – Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has admitted the team must prepare itself mentally for a future without Max Verstappen, whether that transition happens soon or several years down the line. The Dutch driver remains the focal point of Formula 1's latest rumor mill, as speculation over his post-2028 career trajectory continues to swirl.
Verstappen, currently under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, has an exit clause allowing him to leave as early as next season if he drops outside the top three in the championship standings by the summer break in August. At present, Verstappen is holding on to third place, a slim nine points ahead of Mercedes driver George Russell.
Horner Dismisses Speculation
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has made no secret of his interest in signing Verstappen. However, Horner downplayed the rumors, describing them as "noise" ahead of the British Grand Prix weekend.
"Everyone is very clear on where we’re at,” Horner said. "Max has been with Red Bull since the very start of his career. All his success has come in Red Bull Racing cars. He’s a big part of our team. He has a great deal of faith in the team and the people around him."
Horner hinted, however, that he has been considering what life might look like without Verstappen, the team’s four-time world champion, who has been integral to Red Bull’s resurgence over the past decade.
"Max is a key part of our team and has been for pretty much 10 years now,” Horner acknowledged. "But one day, whether it’s a year after [this] or the year after [that], there will be a day when there is no more Max at Red Bull."
Red Bull's Focus on the Next Generation
For Red Bull, ensuring the next generation is prepared has been a priority. Referencing Arvid Lindblad, who recently stepped in for Yuki Tsunoda during Friday practice, Horner emphasized the importance of developing young talent:
"You’re always giving opportunities to see the next generation coming through. Because one thing’s for sure, in this business, nothing stands still."
Rumors Surrounding Russell and Uncertain 2026 Regulations
George Russell has also found himself amid the swirling rumors. The 25-year-old Briton has repeatedly expressed confidence in extending his stay with Mercedes, despite his current contract talks being put on hold until Verstappen’s future is clarified. Asked whether Russell might be a potential replacement for Verstappen, Horner deflected:
"It’s remarkable that George is still on the market. We haven’t engaged in any discussion with George."
As the 2026 rule changes approach, uncertainty mounts regarding which teams may emerge as dominant forces in Formula 1. Horner reminded that the new regulations, which span both aerodynamic systems and power unit designs, will essentially reset the competitive pecking order.
"Nobody with hand on heart is going to know what the pecking order is going to be,” he said. "There’s no guarantees that jumping into a Mercedes car would automatically be a better proposition."
Red Bull’s 2026 Engine Strategy
A major wrinkle in Verstappen’s lingering indecision lies in Red Bull’s engine strategy for 2026. The team will part ways with Honda and begin manufacturing its power units at the Milton Keynes factory. Meanwhile, Honda will partner with Aston Martin, a team also bolstered by the acquisition of ex-Red Bull mastermind Adrian Newey.
Horner remains optimistic. Despite historical upheavals caused by major regulatory changes—such as Sebastian Vettel’s departure to Ferrari after Red Bull fell off the pace in 2014—he sees the current team setup as resilient enough to weather the challenges.
"Sebastian left after there was a significant regulation change. In 2014, [the Mercedes] engine smashed all of us,” Horner recalled. "But sport goes in cycles. We’ve had two incredibly successful cycles in Formula 1, and what we want to do is build toward the next cycle."
Building for the Future
Horner pointed to significant investments made by Red Bull in its infrastructure, including its push to unite chassis engineers and power unit engineers under the same roof.
"That is priceless, and that will pay dividends,” he asserted. "Maybe not in 2026, but in 2027, 2028, and beyond. Long term for Red Bull, it is 100% the right thing."
While Horner wants Verstappen to remain at Red Bull, he is under no illusions about the challenges the team must navigate in the coming years.
"We understand the pressure there is next year with us coming in as a new power unit manufacturer,” Horner admitted. "The challenge of that is enormous, but we’ve got a hugely capable group of people."
In Formula 1, one thing remains constant: nothing stays the same. Whether Red Bull’s future success unfolds with Verstappen at the wheel or not, Horner is confident the team is poised for yet another championship cycle.
"We’re building not just for today but for the long term,” he said. Only time will reveal if that future includes their star driver, who has thus far defined a golden era for Red Bull Racing."
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