The F1 is introducing new chassis and engine rules for 2026, and it was the general belief in the game that Mercedes would be best prepared for modified power-units that could inspire Dutchman to leave.
In addition, the Red Bull slipped from competition from the mid -last season – Vastapain removed its fourth consecutive world title in 2024, but won only twice in the final 13 races.
This year, he is third in the championships on half the way of the season, 69 points behind the leader, McLaren’s Oscar Piastry, only twice in 12 Grands Prix. The Red Bull is fourth in the Constractors Championship behind McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes.
Asked whether there was any possibility that he was not going to the Red Bull next year, Vastapane said: “There is also a possibility that I don’t wake up tomorrow. So there is no driving then. Therefore, life is unpredictable.
“But in general, I am very happy that I am – and I hope. It was still the goal that was set when we signed a new deal, you know that I will drive till the end of my career.”
Commenting on Horner’s departure, he said: “The management decided that they wanted to run the ship in a different direction, perhaps. And then all, of course, of course, have to agree and look forward anyway.
“And I’m looking forward. Surely, I had already held a lot of meetings with Laurent.
“You know, the last two weeks have become quite intense for him to jump. But, yes, I am equally excited for the team that is moving forward now because we have to do this. You know, look back, look back, it is not understood. It is not going to make you fast.”
Asked if he was surprised by the dismissal of Horner as a team principal after 20 years, Vestepen said: “Surprised. I mean, at the end of the day, in this world, such things, they can be.
“And when they told me, it is not that he said, ‘This is what we have just decided’, and then they hung the phone. You know, you talk about it.
“I don’t have to go in detail what he said, but it was, ‘Okay, if you guys think that is the way ahead, I am a driver, you can decide, and it is how we are going to do it.”
In view of the reports, the Red Bull Factory in Milton Keins was ignored by the extraction of the hornaner, Vestapen said: “This is good. Of course, when such a change happens on the first day, the first day, people like a little, ‘Okay, what’s happening?”
“But, fortunately, I think I was basically a day after the announcement, I was doing my simulator goods in the factory.
“You just go back to work. We have to work on the performance, install the car here, ensure that everything is correlated in the best way.”
Verustapane was also asked about the tension between Horner and his father Jose Vestapen in the last 18 months, separating from allegations of sexual harassment and forced sexual harassment and forced by a female employee against Horner.
Two internal red bull investigations dismissed the allegations and the 51 -year -old always denied him, although the final resolution for him is yet to emerge.
Vastapane said: “People may have a difference of opinion anymore now, and I really expect to happen because if everyone always agrees, there is a problem. You need to differentiate in opinion. And, yes, it’s now something with which we work in a different direction.”
