Red Bull handed Max Verstappen F1 boost after Christian Horner exit

Former F1 driver Martin Brundle believes Max Verstappen is more likely to stay at Red Bull following Christian Horner's exit from the team. Verstappen's future has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks as the Dutchman has failed to nail his position inside the team beyond this year amid Red Bull's decline in the pecking order. The four-time champion has been linked with a switch to Mercedes for 2026 when new technical regulations will come into effect. Red Bull will enter the year with a significant change at the helm of the team, having announced Laurent Mekies as Horner's immediate replacement. Speaking to Sky Sports News , Brundle praised the Horner-Verstappen partnership which has enjoyed immense success in recent years. "Every point, podium, victory and world championship that Max has -  through his own genius driving, it must be said - is in a Red Bull car," Brundle said. "He has often stated he wants to see his career out there, if he can. "But they're debuting their own engine for the first time next year, in what is going to be the biggest change in F1 history of the car and power unit at the same time. "Christian has been in the seat and driving that aspect of the team along completely." Verstappen has won two grands prix this year and currently sits third in the drivers' championship. With performance clauses in his contract allowing him to leave under certain conditions, Verstappen's future will likely become an even more discussed topic following Horner's exit. Brundle, however, believes the 51-year-old's exit will mean Verstappen is more likely to stay at Red Bull. "We know that Max has an exit clause based on where he is in the world championship at the end of this month," Brundle added. "Does this mean he's more likely to go, more likely to stay? I can only surmise that means he's more likely to stay at the team."