Ford Chief Applauds Max Verstappen for ‘Stability Without Drama’ at Red Bull

Red Bull Racing has gone through a difficult period over the past few months. The Austrian team sacked Team Principal Christian Horner after rumors of tensions within the team. Even Max Verstappen was tipped to potentially join a rival squad. Nevertheless, the Dutchman stayed at Milton Keynes. Now, Ford CEO Jim Farley has praised Verstappen for maintaining stability at Red Bull.

The energy drinks giant was facing internal turmoil since early 2024 when Christian Horner was accused of inappropriate behavior. The Briton was cleared of any wrongdoing after an independent investigation. However, the damage was done. Max Verstappen‘s father Jos Verstappen was particularly adamant on getting Horner out of the team.

This year, rumors erupted that Max Verstappen could ditch Red Bull for Mercedes. There were even reports that Verstappen’s management wanted Christian Horner gone. Ultimately, Horner was sacked just days after the British GP. Soon afterwards, Verstappen confirmed his stay at Milton Keynes for next season.

Ford is joining forces with Red Bull to build new F1 power units for next season. Jim Farley pointed out that the American carmaker has utmost respect for Max Verstappen after working with the Dutchman. He insisted that Verstappen had been the one figure who manages to provide stability without any unnecessary drama.

Talking to Max, I think we at Ford have really grown our respect for Max, watching him this year, the way he has provided stability without drama in an environment where we’re all just trying to do our jobs.

Jim Farley told Sky Sports F1

Jim Farley pinpoints difference in Max Verstappen and Red Bull after Christian Horner exit

At first, it may seem that Max Verstappen is simply doing his job with no correlation to the leadership shake-up at Red Bull. However, Jim Farley’s comments seemingly pointed right towards the elephant in the room, Christian Horner’s exit from Milton Keynes.