It was announced in the days prior to the Miami Grand Prix that Newey will depart the Milton Keynes-based outfit in the first quarter of 2025, bringing an end to a partnership of nearly 20 years between the legendary designer and the team.
During that time, cars designed by Newey have collected six constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ titles, with three of the latter belonging to Verstappen.
When asked during the weekend in Miami whether Newey’s exit had made him question his own future at Red Bull, Verstappen denied that this was the case. Horner has since backed this and insisted that the Dutchman is content with his current situation.
Quizzed during an interview with Sky Sports F1 on rumblings that Verstappen could leave, Horner responded: “You report those rumblings every week but he’s still here. Look, Max is very happy in the team, he’s got a wonderful group of engineers around him, he’s got a great car, he’s in the best car on the grid, he’s driving in the form of his life.
“It’s not about contracts, it’s about being content, and I think that’s the same for any driver. He has that, he has that dynamic around him, and I think what you’re seeing with him is a driver that’s revelling in that environment.”
