Max Verstappen has remarked that the atmosphere in Formula 1 has become noticeably calmer now that Christian Horner is no longer in the paddock. The Dutch champion explained that the constant friction that used to exist between team principals and personnel has eased, making the sport feel "less stressful" for everyone involved.
The comments came shortly after Verstappen clinched his first race win of the 2024 season – the Bahrain Grand Prix, which also marked the 72nd victory of his career. All four of his world titles have been earned while Horner was steering Red Bull Racing as team principal, a partnership that produced a dominant era for the Dutch driver. With Horner’s exit, however, Verstappen feels a shift in the overall mood of the grid.
In a conversation with the Press Association, Verstappen was candid about his preference for a more harmonious environment. "To be honest, I like to see people get on. It is not nice when you constantly have tension between people," he said.
He added that, from an outsider’s perspective, drama can be entertaining, but within the teams a friendly relationship is far more productive. "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," he continued. He emphasized that the reduced tension translates into a lower level of personal stress for drivers and staff alike.
"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," Verstappen explained. The comment underscores how the mental side of the sport can be just as important as the technical and physical challenges. When asked about Horner’s possible return to Formula 1, Verstappen acknowledged the former Red Bull boss’s achievements but kept his distance from speculation.
"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," Verstappen said.
He was careful not to sound dismissive, noting that any comeback would depend on the right opportunity. "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 added. Horner has hinted at a desire to re‑enter the sport, describing it as "unfinished business" and saying that leading Ferrari would be a "dream" for him. Should he decide to return, he would once again find himself in direct competition with other high‑profile team principals such as Mercedes' Toto Wolff and McLaren's Zak Brown, reigniting a familiar rivalry at the top of the paddock.
Verstappen’s own future at Red Bull was recently confirmed when he signed a new four‑year contract, despite having explored discussions with other teams, including McLaren. When asked whether a move to Ferrari ever crossed his mind, the champion gave a pragmatic answer.
"I only want to win," he said. "I am not a nostalgic type. Do I have a lot of respect for the [Ferrari] brand?
Absolutely. But if that means you then commit yourself, and you are driving P5 or P6, what's the point?" He highlighted his performance‑driven mindset, noting that he has already achieved a great deal with Red Bull and feels a strong sense of belonging.
"It is a second family at Red Bull, and the challenge of rebuilding is what's driving me," Verstappen explained, indicating that the prospect of helping the team evolve remains a major motivation. The conversation also touched on longevity in the sport. While Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso recently signed a contract that will keep him racing beyond his 46th birthday, Verstappen, now 29, does not foresee a career that long. "Staying here until then would mean I have dedicated more than half of my life to Formula 1, and that is probably a bit too much," he said.
He plans to reassess his commitment after his current extension expires, weighing whether he can give "100 per cent" to the demanding schedule. Family considerations also play a role in his decision‑making.
"I also want to spend more time at home and see the kids growing up," Verstappen added, highlighting the personal sacrifices that come with a high‑profile racing career. Looking ahead, the Formula 1 calendar moves to Singapore for the final Sprint weekend of the season, with the race weekend set to begin on Friday. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, starting at 10:30 am, and fans can stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract.
As the sport continues to evolve, Verstappen’s remarks suggest that a calmer, less confrontational paddock could benefit both drivers and teams, allowing the focus to remain on performance rather than drama.