Christian Horner, the Red Bull team principal, has dismissed rumors about his possible move to Ferrari, calling them “flattering”.
It was previously reported that the position of current Ferrari boss, Frederic Vasseur, might be under threat following a disappointing start to the 2025 Formula 1 season, and that the Italian team`s management had made informal contact with Horner.
The Briton has led Red Bull since the team`s inception in 2005. Under his leadership, the team has won six Constructors` Championships and eight Drivers` World Championships, four of which (in the last four years) were secured by Max Verstappen.
Speaking at the Spanish Grand Prix on Friday, Horner stated that he is “always very flattered” to be associated with other teams.
He added, “My entire career has been with Red Bull, and I am absolutely committed to this team.”
“There are so many rumors and speculations these days that they are not even worth listening to,” he said.
Earlier at the team principals` press conference in Barcelona, where he sat alongside Alpine Executive Director Flavio Briatore, Horner was asked about the speculation.
Horner emphasized, “My commitment to Red Bull is one hundred percent. It always has been and will certainly be for the long term.”
“There`s always a lot of speculation in this business – who is going where. The people within the team know exactly what the situation is.”
He joked, “My Italian is worse than Flavio`s English, so how on Earth could that work?”
Despite the impressive results achieved by Horner, the 51-year-old leader has experienced a turbulent last 18 months both on and off the track.
Allegations of inappropriate behavior by a female colleague, brought against him in February 2024, were dismissed following an appeal last summer. Horner consistently denied these accusations.
Recently, several notable figures have left Red Bull, including legendary designer Adrian Newey and Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley.
Max Verstappen has also been linked with rumors of a potential departure from Red Bull. Mercedes and Aston Martin are reportedly interested in signing him.
It was reported this week that a possible exit clause in Verstappen`s contract is set to expire at the Austrian Grand Prix in late June, with the Dutchman comfortably on track to finish in the top four of the drivers` standings.
According to the report, if Verstappen had been outside the top four after the Austrian Grand Prix, he would have had the option to terminate his contract for the next season.
Responding to a question about this report, Horner said, “We never discuss driver contracts publicly. There is so much speculation about everything these days; tomorrow it will be something else.”
When asked how confident he is about Verstappen`s long-term future at Red Bull, Horner replied, “Yes, absolutely.”
“Max knows the team`s commitment. He knows, and we know, what he expects from the team. He believes in the people around him.”
“Nothing in life is ever absolutely guaranteed, but everyone knows where they stand.”
