Max Verstappen is patiently waiting for Red Bull to bring some effective updates to his car in his bid for a fifth consecutive Formula 1 title.

Currently trailing drivers’ championship leader Oscar Piastri by 43 points, the Dutchman has been forced to bide his time this year.

Verstappen no longer has a dominant car at his disposal and has to think a little harder about where he places it on track.

The onus is on him, rather than Red Bull’s car, to generate pressure on the McLaren drivers who are currently favourites to win both titles in 2025.

Red Bull think Verstappen has one advantage over McLaren with the medium tyre after analysing his pace over the last few races.

However, at the next few events, Red Bull face a crucial ‘exam’ which will prove whether the RB21 has the capability to win a title this season. It’s starting to be now or never for them.

Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

Christian Horner latest update on Red Bull ‘rumours’ will be music to the ears of Max Verstappen

Red Bull were ‘afraid’ Verstappen would take a drastic action at the last race in Canada, if they didn’t lodge a protest to keep him happy.

Team boss and CEO Christian Horner has been with the team for 20 years, and now faces one of his biggest ever tasks to lead them into the 2026 F1 regulations.

His recent words on the latest indications about his future may put Verstappen at ease, considering he is the leader of their team.

“There are so many rumours, I’m not going anywhere,” he told Sky Sports F1, according to Planet F1. “I’m fully committed to Red Bull. We’ve got so much good stuff coming through the pipeline.

“We’re on the verge of launching our own engine for 2026, which has been a massive project and undertaking. Of course, it’s always flattering to be associated with other teams, particularly teams like Ferrari.

“But no, I’m not going anywhere, not even to Alpine! Speculation is rife, always in this paddock, but I’ve been here, what, 21 years? I don’t have any intention of being anywhere.”

How long has Christian Horner steered Red Bull’s ship for?

Horner was a racing driver in the junior formulae before a change of heart led him to become a team manager at Arden Motorsport.

After seven years there, he transitioned to Formula 1 with Red Bull and has led their operation since 2005.

It took him only five years to bring title success to the team, developing one of the greatest dynasties in the history of the sport.

He has also been responsible for managing two of the greatest racing drivers of all time in Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel, which is a big achievement for being in the sport for just over one quarter of its existence.

It would be a shock to see him leave the team he has made a home out of, but if they fail to improve over the next few years, pressure could mount quickly.