07 March 2024 , 18:12
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Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is certain that Max Verstappen will see out his his contract with the Milton Keynes-based Formula 1 team.
The under-fire motorsport boss has seen speculation arise over his own position in addition to that of Verstappen after being forced to defend himself over allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague. Horner was cleared of the allegations before alleged messages and photos sent from the team chief were then leaked to high-ranking Formula 1 chiefs as well as the media.
In the aftermath of those events, the 50-year-old was seen having a frank exchange with Verstappen's father, Jos, during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. The former racing driver told the media that Horner's presence would leave Red Bull 'in danger of being torn apart'.
Since then, Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen met with Horner in a bid to clear the air. Neither Max nor Jos were present.
Nevertheless, Horner is adamant Verstappen's future is secure with the 2023 constructors' champion. The Dutch star has won each of the last three world championships as Red Bull's lead drive and continued in dominant fashion in the opening grand prix of 2024.
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"I'm certain that he will [see out his long-term contract]," Horner said "He's got a great team around him, he's got great faith in that team, and we have achieved an awful lot together.
"He's committed to an agreement to 2028 and from the team side, from Max's side, we're determined to build on the success we've achieved already."
Max Verstappen talks with Christian Horner (Bob McCaffrey)The 26-year-old racer discussed his future on Wednesday in the build up to this weekend's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Verstappen appeared unconcerned whether Horner stayed in his role, so long as the environment was one in which people were happy and success could be achieved.
He said: "Well we are at the moment. I saw a lot of stories about that, which was a bit weird to read. But from my side, what I want and it doesn't matter who is involved in the team or not, it's to have a quiet environment where everyone is happy to work."
Verstappen did not rule out a move completely however. "Nobody would have seen that Lewis would move to Ferrari," he added.
"You never know in general life what happens, or comes to you, or happens around you or what might influence you, so you can never say 100 per cent that that is how it is going to be and that is the way I approach my life. But I am very relaxed and very happy at the team and the performance is there, so there is no reason to leave."