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JUST IN: Red Bull Boss Horner’s SHOCKING Response to Max Verstappen’s Alleged FEAR
Amid speculation that Max Verstappen would defect to Mercedes, Christian Horner has stated Red Bull is working “hard” on engine advancements in front of the 2026 season. Since the seven-time world champion is expected to join Ferrari at the conclusion of the current season, the Dutchman has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Lewis Hamilton at the Silver Arrows.
Prior to the 2026 season, modifications to F1 cars are planned, including new engines that will “significantly lessen energy consumption and produce net zero exhaust CO2 emissions.” Fears had been raised in the Verstappen camp, though, as there had been hints that the Austrian constructor was running behind schedule and that things weren’t moving as fast as expected in the Red Bull garage.
Horner refuted that, saying to motorsport.com, “As a brand-new power unit manufacturer, we’re on an aggressive curve with the engine.” However, the group is stepping up to the plate.
Our facilities are fully equipped for testing and development, featuring rig rooms, dynos, and other amenities, as well as manufacturing capacity. However, two years is a pretty short time in the world of engines. We’re still at the expected place on the steep learning curve at this moment, but at least we’re on it.”
“We are hitting the targets that we set for ourselves,” he said. Now, it’s never easy to know how those aims compare to those of our rivals. However, there is a tremendous amount of work being done behind the scenes because there is only a short window of time left until 2026 begins.
Verstappen’s transfer to Mercedes has been discussed, with team manager Toto Wolff saying he would “love” to take the three-time world champion away from Red Bull. Given that Verstappen, 26, has a contract with Red Bull through 2028, it seems unlikely that he will leave the club anytime soon.
Having won three of the first four races of the season, Verstappen has been at his most dominant on the track thus far this year. This weekend in China, he will be eager to secure his top spot in the Drivers’ Championship with another first-place finish. The event is visiting the Shanghai International Circuit for the first time since 2019; the last Editions of three seasons were delayed because of COVID-19.
