Max Verstappen recently remarked that the atmosphere in the Formula 1 paddock has become noticeably calmer now that Christian Horner is no longer in the role of team principal. The Dutch driver explained that the constant tension that used to exist between various parties has eased, making the environment "less stressful" for everyone involved. Verstappen secured his first win of the 2024 season – and the 72nd victory of his career – at the Bahrain Grand Prix, a race that took place in Malaysia. All four of his world titles have been achieved while Horner was at the helm of Red Bull Racing, meaning the two have shared a long and successful partnership.
Despite that history, Verstappen welcomed the recent change, noting that a more harmonious relationship among teams and personnel is preferable to the "spicy" drama that can dominate headlines. In a conversation with the Press Association, Verstappen emphasized his preference for cooperation over conflict. "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 while outsiders might enjoy the spectacle of rivalry, the people who work day‑in, day‑out behind the scenes benefit from a friendly rapport.
"It is not as spicy, but I quite like how things are going at the moment with everyone's behaviour," he continued. "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 rumored return to the sport, Verstappen gave a measured response. He acknowledged that Horner had performed well in his previous role, but he also pointed out that much of the speculation is based on rumours that may not be accurate. "I don't want to sound rude, but it is also not my problem or concern," Verstappen 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." Horner himself has hinted at a possible comeback, describing his departure as leaving "unfinished business" and expressing a desire to lead Ferrari, a team he calls a "dream".
Should he return, he would once again find himself in competition with other high‑profile team bosses such as Mercedes' Toto Wolff and McLaren's Zak Brown. Verstappen's own contract situation has also been a topic of discussion. He recently signed a new four‑year extension with Red Bull after reportedly entertaining conversations with other outfits, including McLaren. When asked whether a move to Ferrari might be on his mind, the champion was clear: "I only want to win.
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? I am very performance‑driven, and I have won a lot with this team already. It is a second family at Red Bull, and the challenge of rebuilding is what's driving me." The Dutchman's comments also touched on his long‑term future in the sport.
While fellow veteran Fernando Alonso, now 46, has signed a contract to remain in F1 beyond his birthday, Verstappen, who is 29, does not see himself staying on for as many decades. "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 explained.
"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 if there are other fun things that deserve more time, then maybe I don't continue. I also want to spend more time at home and see the kids growing up." Looking ahead, the F1 calendar moves to Singapore for the final Sprint weekend of the season, with live coverage beginning on Sky Sports F1 at 10:30 am on Friday.
The Singapore Grand Prix, known for its night‑time street circuit and humid conditions, promises to test drivers' stamina and teams' strategic acumen. As the championship reaches its climax, Verstappen's remarks about a less tense paddock suggest that, win or lose, the sport may be entering a phase where collaboration and mutual respect take precedence over perpetual rivalry. This shift could influence how teams negotiate, how drivers interact, and how fans experience the drama of Formula 1 in the years to come.