Max Verstappen has opened up about life in Formula 1 since Christian Horner's departure from Red Bull, and the world champion reckons things are considerably more relaxed these days. Horner got the boot as team principal and CEO shortly after the 2025 British Grand Prix, eventually walking away with a reported 100 million pound compensation package when he severed all ties with the Red Bull Group. The Briton's exit came after a turbulent few years at the team, with Jos Verstappen even suggesting the outfit would explode if Horner stayed put following misconduct allegations that ultimately saw him cleared twice.

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Speaking to the Press Association, Max was refreshingly honest about how the paddock feels now. He's made it clear he prefers when people actually get along rather than constantly at each other's throats, saying the racing environment is simply less spicy without all the drama. Sure, fans might eat up the controversy from the sidelines, but according to Verstappen, having genuine friendly relationships between teams is far better for everyone involved. It takes stress out of an already demanding sport, and that matters more than entertaining the casual observer with manufactured tension.

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It's worth noting that Max won all four of his world titles during Horner's time leading Red Bull, so this isn't about the results. The thing is, Horner and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff had one of the most explosive rivalries in recent F1 history. Their feud absolutely exploded during the 2021 championship battle between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, and it carried on through the ground-effect era with some seriously heated words flying both ways. With that gone, the paddock just feels different, and apparently, that's a good thing.

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As for whether Horner might stage a comeback, Verstappen's keeping his distance from the speculation. The former Red Bull boss has mentioned he's got unfinished business in the sport and has been linked to Ferrari among others, but Max says it's not really his concern. He reckons Horner did solid work at Red Bull and if the right opportunity comes along, he'll probably take it. However, Toto Wolff has already warned that there'll be repercussions if Horner does return, showing that bridge hasn't exactly been rebuilt.

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