Max Verstappen weighs in on Christian Horner absence: 'It's less stressful'

Max Verstappen has admitted that the F1 paddock is "less stressful" without the presence of Christian Horner.

Horner was the long-time team boss at Red Bull, taking on the role when the team formed on the grid in 2005, becoming the sport's youngest team principal at the time.

He stayed in the position for 20 years but exited the team midway through the 2025 campaign amid a difficult run of form for Red Bull.

Horner was one of the sport's biggest personalities outside of the drivers and was undaunted from playing the political game with his fellow team leaders.

But Verstappen admitted it is not the approach he is fond of.

"To be honest, I like to see that people get on. It is not nice when you constantly have tension between people," Verstappen told PA.

"Of course, from the outside, people like it, but honestly between the teams, it is better when you have just a friendly relationship.

"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."

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Horner return 'not my problem', says Verstappen

Horner established himself as one of the sport's most successful team principals during his two-decade stint.

His exit from Red Bull also came with a major payout, with financial records showing this to be in excess of £100 million.

Rumours about a potential return have been swirling ever since his exit, with Horner himself recently putting his name forward for the team boss role at Ferrari.

While Verstappen is confident Horner will make a comeback, he is not concerning himself with the situation.

"He has shown he did a good job," Verstappen said.

"Of course, people spread a lot of rumours [about Horner's future], 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."