Verstappen delivers striking verdict after Horner departure: 'It's less stressful'
Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
Max Verstappen has claimed that Christian Horner's departure, with the Briton having been out of his role as Red Bull CEO and team principal for more than a year, has made life in the Formula 1 paddock "less stressful". The Dutchman also commented on the possibility of his former team boss making a return to the sport.
Recently, the Leamington Spa-born manager returned to the spotlight following an interview with The Times in which he spoke in glowing terms about Ferrari, describing the Scuderia as a dream destination. His comments triggered a fresh wave of speculation over Fred Vasseur's position, eventually prompting Ferrari to publicly reaffirm its full confidence in the Frenchman and his team.
Verstappen opens up on calmer F1 life following Horner exit
Speaking to the Press Association, the four-time world champion reflected on the change in atmosphere within the Formula 1 paddock. Verstappen suggested that the reduction in tensions has made the environment more comfortable for those working in the sport, even if it means there is less drama for fans to follow.
The Red Bull driver welcomed the more cordial dynamic between teams, pointing out that Formula 1 already brings considerable pressure and that having fewer sources of stress is therefore a positive development.
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Christian Horner and Max Verstappen in the Red Bull garage - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
"To be honest, I like to see people get on. It is not nice when you constantly have tension between people. Of course, from the outside, people like it, but honestly between the teams, it is better when you have just a friendly relationship.
"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. 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."
On a potential return to the paddock for Horner, Verstappen made clear that the matter is not something that concerns him personally. He believes his former team principal has already demonstrated his ability in Formula 1 and could find another opportunity if he wants to return, although the Dutchman admitted he has no idea where that could be.
Verstappen also played down the speculation surrounding Horner's future, stressing that he does not know how much of the recent rumours can be considered accurate.
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"I don't want to sound rude, but it is also not my problem or concern. 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. He has shown he did a good job. Of course, people spread a lot of rumours and I don't know how much of that is true."
Brundle shares his phone call with Horner about Ferrari rumors
Martin Brundle has offered further insight into the situation surrounding Ferrari and the speculation linking Christian Horner with the Italian team. Speaking on Sky Sports, the former F1 driver highlighted the enormous expectations that come with representing the Scuderia, whether as a driver or as team principal, with perceptions capable of changing rapidly depending on results.
Amid the renewed discussion about Horner's future, Brundle decided to contact the former Red Bull team principal directly. According to the Sky Sports pundit, Horner explained that his comments had simply been intended as a respectful response when discussing Ferrari, only for them to generate considerably more attention and speculation than he had anticipated.
Brundle also raised the prospect of what Horner joining Ferrari would mean for Lewis Hamilton. Given the intense rivalry between Mercedes and Red Bull during the 2021 season, and the history involving Hamilton and Horner from that period, he suggested that having the pair working together within the same team would create a particularly intriguing dynamic. However, Brundle argued against Ferrari making another major change in response to its current situation.
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