JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – MARCH 07: Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks to Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during practice ahead of the Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 07, 2024, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Verstappen’s future has been the subject of much speculation after Horner’s resignation was requested by his father Jos, following allegations made by an employee about the conduct of the British team principal. Last week, the Red Bull team principal, who has been in his role since 2005, was cleared of these accusations, which he consistently denied.
When asked about the possibility of Verstappen moving to Mercedes amid the rumors, Horner stated during a press conference at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Thursday: “He has an exceptional team supporting him. He has great confidence in that team. Together, we have already achieved a lot. So, he is committed to his contract until 2028.”
Horner further explained: “Both the team and Max are determined to build on the success we have already had. All 55 wins were achieved in Red Bull cars.”
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton had previously refused to rule out the possibility of Verstappen joining Mercedes, despite it seeming unlikely, as his own decision to join Ferrari next season showed that anything is possible.
Talking to reporters in Jeddah, Hamilton said: “My move showed that everything is possible, and the next six months will be very interesting. I don’t have exclusive information. I know… I’m sure Max is on the list, but I’m almost sure he’s committed elsewhere. Also, I don’t see any reason for him to leave a car that is performing so well.”
In an extraordinary season last year, Verstappen won 19 out of 22 races on his way to his third consecutive Formula 1 title. The 26-year-old driver started the new season in Bahrain with a convincing victory from pole position, setting the fastest lap and leading the race from start to finish.
George Russell, Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes, expressed his belief on Wednesday that any team would be interested in hiring Verstappen, whose rumored contract includes clauses that allow him to leave if key team members are dismissed.
The British driver and Verstappen battled for the 2021 championship in controversial circumstances, with the Red Bull driver emerging victorious after a late change in safety car procedures favored him in the final race.
Hamilton, who has not won a race since the 2021 season, stated that the past would not be held against Verstappen. He said: “He is an exceptional driver. We talked about it at the time and, at that moment, Max did what he had to do. It wasn’t his fault. The sport let us down. If I were in his position, I would have done the exact same thing. So, there are no issues between us.”
Verstappen, also speaking to reporters in Jeddah, acknowledged that Hamilton’s move changed the landscape: “No one could have predicted that Lewis would join Ferrari. In life, you never know what will happen, what will come your way, or what external factors may influence you.”
He added: “Therefore, you can never say with 100% certainty how things will unfold… However, I am very satisfied and happy with the team. The performance is there, so there is no reason for me to leave.” (Reporting by Alan Baldwin)
2024
Shocking events in the world of sports left fans stunned this week. A surprising twist occurred during the football match between rival teams, causing a wave of intense emotions. Fans were left speechless when the visiting team’s star player scored an incredible goal in the final minutes of the game. The crowd went wild with joy, while the players celebrated enthusiastically.
However, the joy was short-lived. Just a few seconds after the goal, the referee decided to disallow the goal due to a foul committed by the star player. The decision left fans furious and disappointed. They expressed their outrage on social media, criticizing the refereeing and demanding explanations.
The star player was also frustrated with the referee’s decision. In a post-match interview, he expressed his disbelief and disappointment with the goal being disallowed. He stated that the foul was insignificant and that the referee’s decision was unfair. The player promised to continue fighting and striving for success despite the obstacles.
Meanwhile, the home team celebrated the referee’s decision. They believe that the disallowing of the goal was fair and that they deserved the victory. The players celebrated the decision as an achievement and thanked their fans for their unconditional support.
Although the final result was disappointing for some, the game was an exciting demonstration of skill and passion for the sport. Fans continue to support their favorite teams, eagerly awaiting the next game. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the disallowed goal continues to fuel heated discussions among football fans.
