Max Verstappen was crowned world champion for a fourth time in 2024 (Image: Getty)
has issued a coy response to claims he was ready to leave ‘immediately’ had Helmut Marko been sacked from his role earlier this year.
The Dutchman waltzed his way to a fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship title during the 2024 Formula One season, further establishing his status as the best driver of his generation.
But, it was an unusually hectic season for the Milton Keynes-based constructor, with several off-track stories dominating the headlines.
Shortly before the start of the 2024 campaign, head honcho was accused of inappropriate behaviour towards a female member – something he vehemently denied and was later cleared of.
Rumours surrounding the future of engineer Adrian Newey provided another unnecessary sideshow, as well as claims Marko – who was instrumental in bringing Verstappen to the team – was responsible for media leaks which threatened his standing within the ranks.
There had been suggestions Verstappen would leave with Marko if it had gotten that far, but the driver and his trusty advisor stuck around and lifted another world title.
Commenting on that period of discontent, Verstappen told : “I think I made it clear what I thought about it. I also think it was important that I said that then.
“And I meant it. It wasn’t a bluff. And they know that within the team too. Did I have doubts about my future at at that stage? Well, the feeling wasn’t quite 100 percent.
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Off-track adversity plagued Red Bull at times in 2024 (Image: Getty)
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“There was a lot going on. But on the other hand, I don’t think that if something goes wrong, you can immediately say: I’m leaving. That’s not how I am.”
Verstappen went on to address the speculation that his father Jos had been at odds with Horner during that time, stating: “But that is nonsense. My father sees the bigger picture very quickly.
“And that certain things that happen have an influence on the future of me and the team. Some people from outside may not see that.”
In a way, battling the internal adversity and still coming out on top is a testament to Verstappen’s quality behind the wheel, but the 27-year-old is under no illusions that things have to improve.
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He added: “If we continue like this, I will not be champion next year. It is that simple. We really have to make steps to be competitive next season. We all know that.
“I trust that the team can fix the balance problems of last season. And certain things that we could not change last year will be changed for next year.
“We know that it has to be better over the kerbs, bumps and in the slow corners. Those are generally our weak points. If we are still beaten, it will be on the basis of pure speed.”
The 2025 Formula One season kicks off in March.