Max Verstappen says the Formula 1 paddock is “less stressful” after Christian Horner’s departure because “it’s not good when you constantly have tension between people”.
Verstappen, who secured his first victory of the season and 72nd of his career at last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, won all four of his world championships at Red Bull while Horner was at the helm as team principal.
Horner has been repeatedly linked with a return to the sport, saying he has “unfinished business” and that leading Ferrari would be a “dream”.
Any return could see him in a match with fellow drivers Toto Wolff (Mercedes) and Zak Brown (McLaren) once again.
In an interview with Press AssociationVerstappen said: “To be honest, I like to see people go through. It’s not good when you constantly have tension between people.
“Obviously, from the outside, people like it, but honestly between the teams, it’s better when you just have a friendly relationship.
“It’s not that spicy, but I definitely like the way things are going at the moment with everyone’s behavior, let’s put it that way.
“It’s less stressful. We all lead stressful lives and when you can de-stress a little bit sometimes, it’s good.”
On Horner’s potential return, Verstappen said: “He’s shown he’s done a good job. Of course, people spread a lot of rumours, and I don’t know how much of it is true.
“I don’t want to sound rude, but it’s also not my problem or concern. He wants to come back and if he has a good opportunity, I’m sure he will, but I don’t know where it will be.”
Horner left Red Bull in 2025
Verstappen: Rebuilding Red Bull is what drives me
Verstappen recently signed a new four-year deal with Red Bull while talking to other teams including McLaren – but did he want a move to Ferrari?
The Dutchman said: “I just want to win.
“I’m not a nostalgic guy. Do I have a lot of respect for the (Ferrari) brand? Absolutely. But if that means you then commit and you’re driving the P5 or P6, what’s the point?
“I’m very performance-driven and I’ve won a lot with this team already. It’s a second family at Red Bull and the challenge of rebuilding is what drives me.”
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Verstappen jokes about taking Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar on his private jet
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso has signed a deal to stay in F1 beyond his 46th birthday, but Verstappen, 29, doesn’t expect to be around at that age just yet.
“Staying here until then means I’ve dedicated more than half my life to Formula 1, and that’s probably a bit too much,” he added.
“I’ve stretched it out for a few more years and then I’ll look back and say to myself ‘can I commit 100 percent? If not, or there are other fun things around that deserve more time, then maybe I won’t continue.’
“I also want to spend more time at home and see the children grow up.”
Formula 1 heads to Singapore for the final Sprint weekend of the season with on-track action starting this Friday, live on Sky Sports F1 from 10.30. Stream Sky Sports NOW – no contract.