Max Verstappen Clarifies Red Bull Future Unaffected by Christian Horner's Exit

F1 is introducing new chassis and engine rules for 2026, and it was the general belief in the sport that Mercedes will be best prepared for the revised power-units that could have motivated the Dutchman to leave.

This year, he is third in the championship at the halfway point of the season, 69 points behind the leader, McLaren's Oscar Piastri, having won just twice in 12 grands prix.

Red Bull have slipped from competitiveness since the middle of last season - Verstappen lifted his fourth consecutive world title in 2024, but won only twice in the final 13 races.