Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has refuted recent speculation suggesting he might move to Ferrari, calling the rumors “flattering.”
Reports, originating from German media outlet BILD, indicated that Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur`s position could be in jeopardy following a challenging start to the Formula 1 season, and that Ferrari management had reportedly made “informal” contact with Horner.
Horner has led the Red Bull team since its establishment in 2005, guiding them to six constructors` championships and eight drivers` championships. Four of these drivers` titles were secured by Max Verstappen in the last four years.
Speaking to reporters at the Spanish Grand Prix, Horner commented on the rumors, stating, “It`s always quite flattering to be linked with other teams.” He emphasized his dedication to his current squad: “My entire career has been with Red Bull, and I am fully committed to this team.” Horner added that with so much current speculation, “it`s not even worth paying attention to.”
Horner had previously addressed the topic during the team principals` press conference in Barcelona, sitting alongside Alpine`s Flavio Briatore, who recently stepped into a team principal role.
Reiterating his position, Horner stated, “My commitment is 100 percent with Red Bull. It always has been and definitely will be for the long term.” He described the F1 paddock as a place rife with speculation about personnel changes. “People within the team know exactly what the situation is,” he added, humorously dismissing the Ferrari link by saying, “My Italian is worse than Flavio`s English, so how would that ever work?”
Despite his successful track record, the past 18 months have been turbulent for Horner both inside and outside the sport.
Allegations of inappropriate conduct were made against him by a female colleague in February 2024. These accusations, which Horner consistently denied, were dismissed after an investigation, though an appeal followed last summer.
Red Bull has also recently seen the departure of several prominent figures, including highly regarded designer Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley.
Horner Confident About Verstappen`s Future at Red Bull
There has also been speculation linking Red Bull`s star driver, Max Verstappen, with a potential move away, with teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin reportedly interested.
According to a report from Autosport, a potential exit clause in Verstappen`s contract might expire around the time of the Austrian Grand Prix in late June, contingent on his championship standing. The report suggested that if Verstappen were outside the top four positions in the championship standings after the Austrian GP, he might have had the option to terminate his contract for the following season.
When asked about the report regarding Verstappen`s contract, Horner declined to discuss specifics, stating, “We are never going to discuss contracts with drivers in public. There is speculation about everything these days, so there will be something else tomorrow.”
When pressed on his confidence in Verstappen`s long-term future at Red Bull, Horner replied, “Absolutely.” He affirmed, “Max is aware of the team`s commitment to him. He knows, and we know, what he expects from the team, and he trusts the people he works with.” Horner concluded, “Nothing in life is ever absolutely guaranteed, but everyone knows their position.”
