Verstappen Claims Less Stress in F1 Paddock Without Horner

Max Verstappen has stated that the Formula One paddock is currently experiencing less stress following the departure of Christian Horner. Horner, who guided Verstappen to all four of his world championships at Red Bull, left the team last year. The 52-year-old has recently expressed that he has 'unfinished business' in the sport and has previously spoken of a desire to lead Ferrari.

Horner's past rivalries with figures such as Mercedes' Toto Wolff and McLaren's Zak Brown were a notable feature of Formula One for much of the last decade. However, Verstappen, who secured his first victory of the current season in Malaysia last weekend, believes a potential return for Horner is not necessary to maintain the sport's intensity.

"To be honest, I like to see that people get on," Verstappen said. "It is not nice when you constantly have tension between people. Of course, from the outside, people like it, but honestly between the teams, it is better when you have just a friendly relationship."

He continued, "It is not as spicy, but I obviously quite like how things are going at the moment, with everyone’s behaviour, let’s put it like that. It is less stressful. We are all leading a stressful life and, when you can take a bit of stress out of it at times, it is good."

Verstappen acknowledged Horner's past successes, stating, "He has shown he did a good job." Addressing rumors about Horner's potential comeback, Verstappen commented, "Of course, people spread a lot of rumours, and I don’t know how much of that is true. I don’t want to sound rude, but it is also not my problem or concern. He wants to come back, and if there is a good opportunity, I am sure he will do it, but I don’t know where that is going to be."