Max Verstappen has remarked that the atmosphere in Formula One feels considerably calmer now that Christian Horner is no longer at the helm of Red Bull. The Dutch champion explained that the constant under‑current of friction between team principals and personnel can be draining, and his relief stems from the removal of that source of strain. Verstappen, who clinched his first race win of the 2024 season – and the 72nd victory of his career – at the Bahrain Grand Prix, has collected all four of his world titles while Horner served as Red Bull’s team principal. Their partnership produced a dominant era, but the former team boss’s exit has opened a new chapter for the paddock.
Since stepping down, Horner has been the subject of persistent speculation about a possible return to Formula 1. He has publicly stated that he still has "unfinished business" in the sport and that taking the reins at Ferrari would be "a dream" for him. Should he re‑enter the fray, he would once again find himself in direct competition with other high‑profile team leaders such as Mercedes’ Toto Wolff and McLaren’s Zak Brown. In a candid interview with the Press Association, Verstappen elaborated on why he welcomes 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. "From the outside, drama can be entertaining, but inside the teams a friendly relationship works better for everyone." He added that while the lack of constant drama might make the sport seem less "spicy," it also reduces the overall pressure on drivers and staff. "We all lead stressful lives," Verstappen noted, "so being able to shave a bit of that stress away is a good thing." When asked about Horner’s potential comeback, Verstappen was diplomatic but clear.
"He has shown he did a good job," the champion replied. "People spread a lot of rumours and I don’t know how much of that is true. I don’t want to sound rude, but it’s not my problem or concern. If he wants to come back and there is a suitable opportunity, I’m sure he will find it, but I don’t know where that will be." The conversation then turned to Verstappen’s own future.
The 29‑year‑old has recently signed a new four‑year contract with Red Bull, after reportedly entertaining discussions with other teams, including McLaren. When pressed on whether a move to Ferrari might tempt him, Verstappen was unequivocal: "I only want to win. I’m not a nostalgic type.
I have a lot of respect for the Ferrari brand, absolutely, but if that means driving a car that is only capable of a P5 or P6 finish, what’s the point? I am very performance‑driven, and I have already achieved a great deal with Red Bull.
This team is like a second family to me, and the challenge of rebuilding and staying at the top is what motivates me." Verstappen also addressed the longevity of his career in contrast to veteran Fernando Alonso, who recently extended his contract with Aston Martin to race beyond his 46th birthday. "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," Verstappen admitted. He explained that he will reassess his commitment after his current extension expires, asking himself whether he can give "100 per cent" to the sport.
"If I can’t, or if there are other fun things that deserve my time, then maybe I won’t continue. I also want to spend more time at home and see my kids grow up," he said. Looking ahead, the Formula 1 calendar moves to Singapore for the final Sprint weekend of the season, with the race weekend kicking off on Friday.
The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 from 10:30 am, and fans can stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract. In summary, Verstappen’s comments highlight a shift in the sport’s internal dynamics: less tension, fewer headline‑grabbing feuds, and a greater focus on performance and well‑being. While the spectre of Christian Horner’s possible return adds an element of intrigue, the Dutch champion remains firmly centred on winning races, extending his legacy with Red Bull, and eventually balancing his professional ambitions with his personal life.
The upcoming Singapore Grand Prix will provide another stage for Verstappen to demonstrate his skill in a more relaxed, yet still fiercely competitive, environment.