Max Verstappen’s Red Bull commitment was ‘unwavering’ Then there was Max Verstappen and almost constant questions about his future with Mercedes openly courting the Dutchman

Speaking exclusively to Autosport, Christian Horner explains why he never doubted Max Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull

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.

Had Dietrich Mateschitz still been at the Red Bull helm when the F1 2024 in-fighting broke out, he would have soon nipped it in the bud. That is the claim of Red Bull’s reigning four-time World Champion Max Verstappen,

Max Verstappen was heavily linked with a move to Mercedes in 2024, with Toto Wolff admitting that the Silver Arrows had opened discussions with the Dutchman's entourage

Lewis Hamilton was denied a record-breaking eighth Formula 1 world title by Max Verstappen in controversial circumstances at the end of the 2021 season

Red Bull chief Christian Horner has issued a clear statement on Max Verstappen and a potential future exit from the team. Verstappen wrapped up his fourth consecutive drivers' championship in 2024, but had to contend with a difficult Red Bull car at times.

Christian Horner believes it is “inevitable” Max Verstappen and Lando Norris’ relationship will suffer if the two continue to be rivals on the track. Both Monaco residents, Norris and Verstappen are known to spend time with each other away from the track but that relationship was put under the microscope in 2024.

Christian Horner has underlined that top advisor Helmut Marko is not leaving Red Bull Racing, and will remain with the squad for the foreseeable future. Speaking to Motorsport.com, the team principal also commented on what that means in terms of keeping four-time Max Verstappen.