Verstappen wants a 'peaceful working environment'. Is there one at Red Bull?
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Christian Horner is absolutely certain: Max Verstappen will continue to drive for Red Bull Racing in 2025. Yet the Dutchman has never expressed in the press that he is 100 per cent certain to remain active at the Austrian racing stable after this season. As noted in the Chinese paddock Sunday afternoon, Verstappen did say that he wants to work in a peaceful environment.
But what is said to the media, Horner argues, is not necessarily the same as what is proclaimed indoors. "What conference of the many that he's done, as he said: ‘I'm unequivocally, I'm committed to my contract and the team’. It's happened on numerous levels," Horner said.
Horner knows for sure where Verstappen will drive in '25
So at least with Horner, there is no doubt about the future of Max Verstappen, who has a commitment with the Austrians until the end of 2028. Meanwhile, Mercedes is very much angling for his signature for '25 and beyond: "I can assure you that there is no ambiguity as to where Max Verstappen will be next year," Horner reiterated once again.
Undoubtedly, the team principal has also heard that Verstappen especially wants to work in a peaceful environment. The ongoing hassle between Horner and Helmut Marko is an example that Verstappen is therefore not looking forward to. However, when asked if Red Bull is currently a peaceful environment internally, Horner answered with one word only: "Yes".