Christian Horner thinks that Max Verstappen has ‘always been crystal clear’ with the team when discussing his future, insisting that the Dutchman won’t be going anywhere, despite revealing that talks with Mercedes took place in 2024.
When Red Bull’s form dipped, and internal relations between Christian Horner and Helmut Marko frayed in 2024, Verstappen’s future was placed into question.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff went public with his attempts to lure the 27-year-old to his squad, while Aston Martin were also reportedly interested in signing him.
"Max has always been crystal clear with the team,” Horner told Motorsport.com when asked about the speculation.
"His commitment has been unwavering. He enjoys the people that he trusts and the people that he works with and enjoys very much being a part of this team.
"Of course, with the talent that he has, I'm sure he's on every team principal’s Christmas wish list. That’s inevitable.
But, as long as we can continue to provide him with a competitive car and an environment that he enjoys racing in, I don't see any desire for him to be anywhere else."
Despite Horner’s convictions, Verstappen’s future is far from guaranteed. The four-time world champion admitted that his entourage held talks with Mercedes regarding a move in 2024.
Discussing the interest from the Silver Arrows, Verstappen told Viaplay:
"The big teams are always interesting, but on the other hand, I’m also in a very big team. “I’ve achieved a lot of success with them. It also just feels like a second family.
"Look, of course, we always talk to each other. And I don’t lie about the fact that we’ve sat together.
We had very constructive conversations, I think everyone has always been very honest and open with each other.
"But on the other hand, I am also very loyal to my own team, and I just feel at home there. So, then, there is actually not much to achieve at the moment. I am still very young, so a lot can still happen in the future."
If Mercedes are to lure Verstappen to Brackley for 2026 and beyond, they must convince the Red Bull star that they can return to World Championship contention.
Wolff’s outfit finished fourth in the Constructors’ Championship in 2024, 198 points behind eventual winners McLaren.
