Verstappen: I think there’s every reason to be happy, right?

The statement of assurance from Verstappen comes amid the sordid and long-winded controversy that won't go away for Red Bull. While Horner has been exonerated for any wrongdoing, his female accuser, a teammate, has appealed the decision, ensuring this matter will drag on.

In stark contrast, Red Bull fortunes on track so far this season have been incredible. Verstappen and teammate Sergio Perez are relishing the benchmark-setting RB20. So much so that they delivered two one-twos in the first two races of the 2024 F1 World Championship season.

And a hat-trick of one-twos beckons for Red Bull at this weekend's Australian Grand Prix. Max is the outright favourite on 2/11 to win, with Checo on 7/1 for the top spot on the Melbourne podium, according to Betway.

Talking to journalists at Albert Park on Thursday, when quizzed on the mood in the team. Verstappen responded with a rhetorical question: “I think there’s every reason to be happy, right?”

He then proceeded to swerve any mention of Horner or the fiasco that even has his father Jos Verstappen involved. And no matter what website you go to speculation about his future with the Red Bull team is rife, thanks to the scandal and the can of worms it unearthed.

With Mercedes boss Toto Wolff shamelessly drooling for the 26-year-old's services, there are also rumours of Aramco willing to a blank cheque for (a Ronaldo-style mega-sporting deal) which will see Verstappen drive for Aston Martin. It is also said Adrian Newey would be joining the Dutchman in this journey.
[Editor's Warning Note: A very silly F1 Silly Season is upon us!]

Clearly ignoring the cacophony around his future, the triple F1 World Champion dodged the elephant in the room: "The car’s going really well, there’s so many great people in the team that are constantly pushing for better results, so for me, that’s what I focus on.

"I focus on the performance. I’m happy, and when I go home, I don’t think about any other thing because it’s pretty fixed where I’m at also, and that’s also where I want to be," insisted Verstappen.

Overshadowed by the Horner scandal, the reality is that on track it is near-perfection for Red Bull, the reigning F1 World Champions have started the year even more potently than perhaps ever and a car - Adrian Newey's RB20 - that could well be the greatest F1 ever built.

Verstappen acknowledged: "It’s definitely been the best start so far to a year for me personally in the car, just a good balance, but I think also as a team we operated really well without too many mistakes. So, of course, very happy with that, and I hope that we can continue that way. We try to keep on learning what we can do better, but it’s been very positive.”

With two races remaining, Verstappen starts Round 3 in Australia on Sunday, with a 15-point lead over teammate Perez in the 2024 F1 drivers’ standings. Red Bull are 38 points clear of nearest rivals Ferrari in the F1 constructors’ battle.