Max Verstappen has stated that the Formula 1 environment has become “less stressful” following the departure of Christian Horner, citing a preference foramicable relations between teams over constant conflict.
The Dutch driver secured his first victory of the season and the 72nd of his career at last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Throughout his championship wins, all achieved with Red Bull, Horner served as team principal before leaving the squad in 2025.
Horner has recently been linked with a return to the sport, describing a potential move to lead Ferrari as a “dream.” Such a comeback would reportedly reignite tensions with rivals Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and McLaren principal Zak Brown.
In an interview with the Press Association, Verstappen emphasized that he values harmony within the paddock. “To be honest, I like to see people get on. It is not nice when you constantly have tension between people,” he said. While acknowledging that rivalry can be entertaining for outsiders, he noted that friendly relationships between teams are better for everyone involved.
“It is not as spicy, but I obviously quite like how things are going at the moment with everyone’s behaviour, let’s put it like that,” Verstappen added. “It is less stressful. We are all leading a stressful life and when you can take a bit of stress out at times, it is good.”
When asked about Horner’s potential return, the Red Bull driver acknowledged his former boss’s past success but declined to speculate on rumors. “I don’t want to sound rude, but it is also not my problem or concern,” he said. “He wants to come back and if there is a good opportunity I am sure he will but I don’t know where that is going to be.”
Verstappen recently signed a new four-year contract with Red Bull after holding discussions with other teams, including McLaren. Despite his respect for the Ferrari brand, he ruled out a move, stating that winning is his only priority.
“I am not a nostalgic type,” he explained. “But if that means you then commit yourself, and you are driving P5 or P6, what’s the point? I am very performance-driven… The challenge of rebuilding is what’s driving me.”
Regarding his long-term future, Verstappen does not expect to remain in F1 as long as his Aston Martin teammate Fernando Alonso, who has extended his deal past his 46th birthday. The 29-year-old admitted that dedicating more than half his life to the sport might be excessive.
“I have extended for a few more years, and then I will look again and say to myself, ‘can I commit 100 per cent?’ If not, or there are other fun things around that deserves more time, then maybe I don’t continue,” he said. “I also want to spend more time at home and see the kids growing up.”
Formula 1 heads to Singapore this weekend for the final Sprint of the season, with track action beginning Friday.
Fair play for prioritizing family. It takes a lot of courage to walk away from F1 glory for kids.
Honestly, this all sounds like PR spin. Is it really less stressful, or just quieter because Red Bull is dominating so hard?
Wait, he won in Bahrain but says it was in Malaysia? The article is a bit confused on geography there.
Interesting that he mentioned Ferrari but ruled them out. Doesn’t the brand allure matter at all, even for a competitor?
I completely agree with Max. The paddock drama was exhausting to watch. Less conflict means everyone can actually enjoy their jobs again.