Christian Horner Speaks Out on Max Verstappen Exit Rumors Amidst Red Bull Speculations
Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1 has been a major topic of discussion, with ongoing rumors suggesting that he could be eyeing a move away from Red Bull Racing. The reigning World Champion, who is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, has been linked to potential blockbuster moves, including a reported £1 billion deal with Aston Martin. However, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has now addressed the speculation head-on, offering insights into Verstappen’s stance and the team’s position on these swirling rumors.
Christian Horner Addresses Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Future
Despite being contracted with Red Bull until the end of the F1 2028 season, Verstappen has frequently been linked with a departure. Over the past year, Mercedes and Aston Martin have been rumored as potential suitors.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has made no secret of his desire to bring Verstappen on board, particularly after the unexpected departure of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari. However, instead of signing Verstappen, Mercedes opted for young rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli to partner George Russell for the upcoming seasons.
Meanwhile, reports surfaced that Aston Martin had been hinting to potential sponsors about Verstappen possibly joining the team. These claims were categorically denied by Aston Martin, who dismissed the reports as baseless. When approached for comment, Verstappen’s camp responded with a cryptic remark: “That’s nice.”
Denials and Clarifications
Amid these reports, Aston Martin strongly denied any such negotiations, with an official spokesperson stating: “An Aston Martin Aramco spokesperson categorically denied the story.”
Verstappen’s camp also downplayed the rumors, simply responding with: “That’s nice.”
Horner’s Perspective on Verstappen’s Loyalty
Speaking with Goodwood, Horner dismissed the public speculation, arguing that real negotiations of such magnitude typically happen behind closed doors rather than through the media.
“Max has a very open relationship with the team, and, of course, you discuss things openly, as in any form of partnership. He’s made very clear what his position is towards the team. Every team is going to show interest in him because he is the exceptional talent that we all know, so you can only imagine he would be at the top of every team’s list.”
Horner also suggested that public noise often lacks credibility: “The serious stuff is usually done behind the scenes, not through the media.”
Max Verstappen’s Contract and Potential Exit Clause
PlanetF1.com has confirmed that Aston Martin’s current drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, remain under contract for at least the next two seasons. This would seemingly shut the door on any immediate move for Verstappen.
However, Christian Horner recently shed light on the rumors, stating that the “public noise” surrounding Verstappen’s future is an indication that the speculation is not serious. He emphasized that significant contract negotiations happen behind closed doors, rather than being played out in the media.
“Max has a very open relationship with the team, and, of course, you discuss things openly, as in any form of partnership,” Horner told Goodwood’s website. “He’s made very clear what his position is towards the team.”
Horner also revealed that every major team in Formula 1 would naturally be interested in Verstappen, given his exceptional talent and dominance in the sport. However, he firmly believes that most of the noise surrounding a potential move is fueled by media speculation rather than genuine negotiations.
“Every team is going to show interest in him because he is the exceptional talent that we all know,” Horner continued. “But when the noise is so public, it tends to be less serious. The real discussions happen in private.”
Could Max Verstappen Leave Red Bull Before 2028?
Horner’s latest comments follow his previous admission during the Dutch Grand Prix in 2024, where he acknowledged that Verstappen’s contract includes a performance clause. This clause reportedly allows Verstappen to leave if Red Bull underperforms in the F1 2025 season.
It has been widely speculated that if Verstappen finds himself lower than third place in the Drivers’ Championship at a certain point in the season, he could trigger an exit clause. This clause is said to mirror a previous contract condition that Verstappen had with Red Bull, ensuring he remains competitive at the highest level.
A well-respected F1 journalist recently reported that negotiations between Verstappen and Aston Martin are ongoing. These discussions follow earlier reports by former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos, who claimed that Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll is willing to spend whatever it takes to sign Verstappen.
Aston Martin’s Bold Ambitions
Adding fuel to the fire, Aston Martin’s billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll is said to be “sparing no expense” to secure Verstappen. Stroll recently landed legendary designer Adrian Newey from Red Bull, a move that significantly strengthens Aston Martin’s technical capabilities.
Former Red Bull driver and Dutch F1 pundit Robert Doornbos has suggested that Aston Martin’s aggressive recruitment could be part of a grand plan to lure Verstappen.
Mercedes: A Future Contender?
Despite opting for Antonelli in 2025, Mercedes could still return to the Verstappen sweepstakes in 2026, when major F1 rule changes are set to shake up the competitive landscape. With George Russell’s contract expiring after 2025, there could be an opening for Verstappen if Mercedes’ performance aligns with his championship aspirations.
In a recent interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Wolff revealed that previous discussions with Verstappen didn’t materialize, stating: “At some point he said that he wanted to stay where he was for the time being because it felt right for him.”
Final Thoughts: Will Verstappen Stay or Go?
For now, Verstappen remains firmly embedded in Red Bull Racing, aiming to secure his fifth consecutive title in F1 2025. However, with Aston Martin’s ambitions, Mercedes’ long-term planning, and potential performance clauses, the future remains uncertain.
If Red Bull’s dominance fades or tensions rise within the team, Verstappen could be tempted to make a historic switch. Whether that’s Aston Martin’s mega-money deal, Mercedes’ future rebuild, or another unexpected move remains to be seen.
The rumors surrounding Max Verstappen’s future will likely continue throughout the 2025 season, but as Christian Horner pointed out, the most serious negotiations take place behind closed doors. While Red Bull holds a long-term contract with Verstappen, the F1 2026 rule changes and team performance over the next two seasons will play a significant role in shaping his future.
With Mercedes keeping an eye on developments, Aston Martin making bold moves, and Red Bull aiming to maintain its dominance, the next two years in Formula 1 could set the stage for one of the most shocking driver transfers in F1 history. Until then, all eyes remain on Verstappen as he continues to chase records and solidify his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
One thing is certain: the F1 driver market in the coming years is set to be one of the most unpredictable in history.
