Max Verstappen has moved to quash rumors that his potential and rumoured departure from Red Bull might be more linked to concerns over the 2026 engine regulations rather than the ongoing issues surrounding Christian Horner.
It's widely understood that contracts of leading F1 figures like Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc include specific 'exit clauses.' Among these is the so-called 'Marko clause,' rumored to allow Max an out if Dr. Helmut Marko or even Horner were to leave Red Bull.
Despite the evident friction within Red Bull, fueled in part by sharp remarks from Max's father, Jos, the triple world champion appeared unfazed by the internal dynamics while in Melbourne.
Speculation has been growing that Verstappen's unease could actually stem not from the Horner situation but from apprehensions about Red Bull's new engine partnership with Ford, especially given Honda's shift to Aston Martin for 2026. This comes as the sport prepares for groundbreaking engine regulations.
Last year, Horner voiced concerns over the radical 2026 rules, highlighting simulations that suggested drivers might need to conserve electrical energy by easing off the throttle mid-straight.
Mercedes' Toto Wolff had commented at the time, "I suppose he (Horner) is worried that his engine program is not working and maybe he wants to kill the regulations because of that."
Now, with the Horner controversy and Red Bull's internal power struggles ongoing, Wolff has been openly courting Verstappen for a move to Mercedes. Johnny Herbert recently mentioned to the Sun, "I've heard they are getting quite close with the deal with Mercedes."
When questioned in Melbourne about his concerns regarding Red Bull Powertrains' and Ford's ability to meet the 2026 engine challenges, Verstappen responded dismissively to the speculation, as reported by La Repubblica.
"If I had to worry about every speculation, I would also have to worry about whether I will still be alive tomorrow," he stated, emphasizing his discussions with Christian and the power unit team reveal no immediate cause for alarm, given that 2026 is still some distance away. "I talk to Christian and the people who work in the power unit department and there is no reason to panic, we are not in 2026 yet," the Dutch driver said.
"Yes, we are competing with established engine manufacturers, and it won't be easy to surpass them, but there are many very good people working on our project," Verstappen affirmed, showcasing his confidence in the team's future.
