Red Bull Boss Envisions Continued Success as Verstappen Secures Long-Term Contract
Christian Horner, the head of Red Bull Racing, is confident that Max Verstappen can maintain his Formula 1 dominance for the foreseeable future, expressing optimism about the Dutch driver’s potential longevity in the sport. Verstappen, who secured his third consecutive world championship in a historic 2023 season, winning 19 out of 22 races, has become a formidable force on the F1 circuit.
Horner, a key figure in Red Bull’s success with over 110 Grand Prix victories, 95 pole positions, 264 podiums, seven Drivers’ Championships, and six Constructors’ Championships, believes that Verstappen’s motivation is the key to his sustained success. Despite the 26-year-old’s impressive achievements, Horner emphasized the importance of Verstappen’s desire to continue performing at the highest level.
In the 2023 season, Red Bull asserted dominance with Verstappen leading the charge, claiming his third successive world championship. While teammate Sergio Perez secured victories in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan, Verstappen’s consistent performance stood out as he cruised ahead of the competition.
Verstappen’s success has been instrumental in Red Bull’s achievements, and his remarkable form over the past three seasons led to a lucrative long-term contract, binding him to Red Bull until 2028. However, Verstappen has remained guarded about his future plans, hinting that he may not follow the career trajectory of other long-serving F1 drivers.
Horner remains hopeful that Verstappen will continue competing on the grid for years to come, acknowledging the driver’s strength of mind and motivation. Despite recognizing that Verstappen may not be in F1 at 42, Horner emphasized taking things one season at a time.
Reflecting on Verstappen’s growth as a driver, Horner highlighted his insatiable hunger for knowledge and continuous learning. He described Verstappen as a sponge, absorbing information and applying it to his racing, showcasing a commitment to improvement.
Looking ahead, Horner and Verstappen are gearing up for the 2026 season when the next generation of power units will be introduced. With Red Bull Powertrains entering the scene, the team aims to challenge Ferrari and Mercedes as manufacturers, with Verstappen eyeing further domination on the track.
