Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has acknowledged that Max Verstappen will not remain with the team indefinitely, despite the four-time world champion being under contract until 2028.
Speaking to media at Silverstone on Friday, Horner admitted the team must prepare for life without their star driver. "
One day, whether it's a year after or the year after [that], there will be a day that there is no more Max. You always have to have that in mind," Horner said.
The admission comes amid persistent speculation linking Verstappen with a potential move to Mercedes, particularly as George Russell awaits a contract extension beyond 2025.
Christian Horner has admitted that there will come a day when Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull
Getty/Sky SportsHorner emphasised the importance of planning for the future and developing young drivers.
"The team always has to keep looking and investing in the future," he said.
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"So hopefully that won't be for several years to come but you never know. You're always investing in young talent.
"You're always giving opportunities, like we did today with Arvid Lindblad to see the next generation coming through."
The Red Bull boss stressed the inevitability of change in Formula 1.
"Because one thing for sure, in this business, nothing stands still," Horner added.
Despite the ongoing speculation, Horner maintained that Verstappen has communicated his commitment to Red Bull.
"Max has been with Red Bull since the very start of his career, all of his success has come in Red Bull Racing cars and he's a big part of our team and he has a great deal of faith in the team and the people around him," Horner stated.
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Max Verstappen is reportedly open to joining MercedesPAWhen pressed about Verstappen's status for 2026, Horner responded: "The absolute intention is that he will be there and driving for us in 2026."
He suggested that Russell may have fuelled the speculation "probably trying to leverage his own situation."
In a lighthearted moment during the press conference, Horner jokingly suggested Red Bull would pursue McLaren's Oscar Piastri if Verstappen departed.
"Oscar Piastri," Horner said laughing, when asked about contingency plans, with McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown seated beside him.
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Christian Horner also insisted Max Verstappen has pledged his allegiance to Red Bull recently
ReutersHowever, Horner quickly returned to a serious tone regarding Verstappen's future.
"He's made it quite clear he would like to finish his career in a Red Bull car, from start to finish," Horner revealed.
"I think that's quite special and unique for him. That's what we're focused on and we're just ignoring the noise," he concluded.
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