Max Verstappen is now ready to make three-year commitment to F1 team after Christian Horner’s Red Bull exit

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Max Verstappen’s future remains under the spotlight following Red Bull’s bombshell decision to sack Christian Horner. There are two main theories at play.

The first, corroborated by some reporting, is that Verstappen demanded change at Red Bull if he was to stay. The reigning world champion has been in talks with Mercedes.

While the exact terms of his exit clause are unclear, Verstappen could be entitled to break his contract within weeks. He will soon reveal whether he’s committed to the team or whether he plans to leave for 2026.

Indeed, some are speculating that Horner has been fired as an effective punishment for losing Verstappen. Given his status as an all-time great, this would be an unthinkable outcome for Red Bull.

Max Verstappen is ‘destined’ to see out his full Red Bull contract

Journalist Roberto Chinchero spoke to Sky Italy in the aftermath of Wednesday’s announcement and reiterated that there was ‘a tug of war’ taking place between the Verstappen camp and Horner.

Verstappen asked for a ‘second person’ to be added to the structure, likely creating a similar arrangement to championship leaders, who have a CEO (Zak Brown) and a team principal (Andrea Stella).

However, speaking during the British Grand Prix weekend, Christian Horner said Red Bull didn’t need to change. This resistance to relinquishing some of his power may have cost him.

After Red Bull let him go, there are ‘many possibilities’ for Verstappen. But Chinchero believes he’s now ‘destined’ to stay not just for 2026, but until the end of his contract in 2028.

What did Max Verstappen say in his final radio exchange with Christian Horner?

If indeed Verstappen is ready to make a three-year commitment to Red Bull, then it’s as big a blow to Toto Wolff as it is a relief for Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. Both drivers’ seats have come under threat.

Verstappen’s manager says they will continue to monitor Red Bull’s performance, but based on Chinchero’s comments, the team have already made a seismic concession. It’s the clearest indication possible of how much they value the 27-year-old.

Of course, what he values most is a competitive car. Laurent Mekies will now be the man tasked with delivering it, although he could receive some added assistance.

The announcement comes after a poor British GP for Red Bull where their superstar driver finished fifth. In his final radio exchange with his long-term boss, Verstappen reported that the car had been ‘very tough’ and to drive