“He doesn’t listen to anybody’s recommendations,” Horner reportedly said. “Max is incredibly talented, but sometimes his determination can work against him. He’s got bad habits that we’ve been trying to address, but he’s so set in his ways that it’s difficult to break through.”

Horner’s remarks come after a series of underwhelming performances from Verstappen, who has faced increased pressure from rivals and even his own teammate, Sergio Pérez. While Verstappen’s natural skill has carried him to multiple victories, Horner emphasized that a more cooperative approach could elevate his performance even further.

“Max is always pushing the limits, but there are times when he needs to trust the team and listen to the advice we’re giving him. That’s where we’re seeing the decline in some areas of his performance,” Horner added.

Verstappen has not yet responded to Horner’s comments, but the revelation of internal tensions adds another layer of intrigue to the Red Bull camp as they work to maintain their dominance in Formula 1. Whether Verstappen will adjust his approach or continue to rely on his instincts alone remains to be seen, but fans and analysts are eager to see how this dynamic evolves throughout the season.