Verstappen claims F1 has become a less demanding place since Horner stepped back

Max Verstappen says the Formula 1 paddock is “less stressful” since Christian Horner stepped away from Red Bull. The Dutch driver secured his first win of the season at last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, and he credits the change in atmosphere to Horner’s exit.

“I like to see people get on. It is not nice when you constantly have tension between people,” Verstappen told the Press Association. “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.”

Horner’s Absence

Verstappen won all four of his world championships while Horner served as team principal. Horner has been linked to a return, telling reporters he has “unfinished business” and that leading Ferrari would be a “dream.”

The Ferrari Question

Verstappen recently signed a new four-year deal at Red Bull after speaking with other teams, including McLaren. The question was whether he ever considered a switch to Ferrari.

“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?”

“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.”

A Long Career Question

Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso has penned a deal to stay in F1 beyond his 46th birthday. Verstappen, 29, does not expect to still be around at that age.

“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. “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 there are other fun things around that deserves more time, then maybe I don’t continue.”

“I also want to spend more time at home and see the kids growing up.”

Singapore Weekend

Formula 1 heads to Singapore for the last Sprint weekend of the season. Track action starts this Friday, live on Sky Sports F1 from 10.30am.

Horner’s Return

Horner’s return has been the subject of speculation. Verstappen was asked directly about it, and his answer was characteristically matter-of-fact.

Verstappen said Horner “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.” He added, “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.”

The Bottom Line

Verstappen is not bothered by the tension of the past. He is more interested in the present, and he wants to win.

The sport is less stressful without Horner, at least from Verstappen’s point of view.

Source material: “Verstappen: F1 'less stressful' without Horner,” Sky Sports.

F1 · Horner · Red Bull · Singapore Grand Prix · Verstappen