P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen has revealed that he is still in contact with former F1 team principal Christian Horner.
Max Verstappen confirmed that he is still in touch with former F1 team principal Christian Horner, with whom he won four world drivers’ championships in the past four years, despite Horner’s departure from Red Bull in July. Verstappen mentioned in a media briefing before the Qatar Grand Prix that he and Horner communicate regularly, “every race weekend.”
There are speculations surrounding Verstappen’s future in F1, as his contract with Red Bull ends in 2028, but he hinted that he might leave the sport if the upcoming rule changes in 2026 don’t make it enjoyable for him.
Oscar Piastri secured a pole position at the Qatar GP sprint race, beating Max Verstappen, who ended up in sixth place, behind Yuki Tsunoda for the first time this season, giving Piastri an opportunity to narrow the gap to championship rival Lando Norris.
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time F1 world champion, gave what seemed to be his most disheartened interview ever at the Qatar GP, qualifying in 18th place for the Saturday sprint race, reflective of his challenging 2025 season.
During the Qatar Grand Prix, the F1 grid and the FIA discussed the driving standards guidelines, following some controversial penalties, including Oscar Piastri’s at the Brazilian GP, deciding to keep the guidelines unchanged for the remaining races of the 2025 season.
