Max Verstappen reaffirms the need for Red Bull to “keep peace” amidst rumors surrounding Christian Horner and Helmut Marko

Max Verstappen and Red Bull were reckoned as the favorites for the 2024 F1 season. The Dutch driver had a record-breaking campaign in 2023. Moreover, the radically-designed RB20 further helped the 26-year-old’s prospects. However, despite winning the first two rounds of the season, Verstappen’s campaign has been overshadowed by tensions at Milton Keynes. Now, the reigning world champion has commented on the situation.

Christian Horner was investigated over allegations of inappropriate behavior. Despite getting a clean chit from Red Bull, the 50-year-old faced controversy amidst an alleged evidence leak. Moreover, Red Bull Motorsport Consultant Dr. Helmut Marko‘s future at Milton Keynes was reportedly uncertain. Moreover, Max Verstappen’s father Jos Verstappen had a fallout with Horner.

After the Saudi Arabian GP, Max Verstappen emphasized that the most important aim for Red Bull must be to work together. The reigning world champion highlighted the need to maintain peace within the team to ensure a successful campaign this season. The Dutch driver claimed that everyone at Milton Keynes will be working towards the same direction after an end was put to all controversies.

I have always said that the most important thing is that we work together as a team and that everyone keeps the peace... So I hope that from now on it will also be fully so. And that everyone tries to focus on the same direction

Max Verstappen said as reported by GPBlog

However, Verstappen pinpointed the positive takeaway for Red Bull. The three-time world champion highlighted that the recent events surrounding the team’s key figures had not affected its on-track performance. Max Verstappen reckoned that every member at Milton Keynes continued to focus on the season despite the controversies.

I think the positive thing about all this is that it has not hurt our performance. It is a very strong team... I think everyone, even when things happen, is very focused on their work, as it should be.

Max Verstappen likely to stay with Red Bull if tensions de-escalate

Max Verstappen is believed to be a loyalist to his father and Helmut Marko. It is thus no surprise that after the fallout between Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner, rumors surfaced about the 26-year-old’s possible exit. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff even met Verstappen Sr. with the two not completely ruling out such a move.

Moreover, the 26-year-old made it clear that his future at Milton Keynes could be at risk if Helmut Marko was removed from the team. However, Christian Horner recently stated that there was no discussion around Marko’s stay at Red Bull. Subsequently, Milton Keynes might finally be moving on from the entire debacle.

Max Verstappen had claimed that there was no reason for him to leave the Austrian team as long as it allowed him to fight for race wins. It is clear that Red Bull remains the best option for the Dutch driver considering the team’s dominance on the grid.

I’m also really happy within the team. So as long as we perform there is no reason also to leave.

Max Verstappen said as reported by Motorsport.com

Certainly, Max Verstappen and Red Bull will be shifting their complete focus onto the 2024 campaign. The Dutch driver aims to win a fourth consecutive title this season. However, Verstappen could potentially face a challenge from rivals such as Ferrari in the coming races. As such, it remains to be seen if the reigning world champion can continue to dominate the sport after winning the first two races this year.

In case you missed it:

• Oliver Bearman admits he has to ‘do more’ to prove he is worthy of an F1 seat after impressing debut at Saudi Arabian GP
• FIA breaks down why Lando Norris was not penalized for ‘jump start’ at Saudi Arabian GP

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