Christian Horner insists Max Verstappen’s Red Bull future remains secure, emphasising mutual trust over contract clauses amid ongoing transfer speculation.
Christian Horner has no concerns regarding a potential exit clause in Max Verstappen’s F1 contract that could see him leave Red Bull at the end of the season.
Verstappen is believed to have a clause in his current Red Bull contract allowing him to leave if he is not in the top two or three of the Formula 1 drivers’ championship by the summer break. The exact terms are, of course, confidential, though Dr. Marko confirmed a few weeks ago that they were “roughly of that nature.”
Verstappen is currently third in the drivers’ standings, 26 points ahead of George Russell. Is the clause triggered or not? Only he and Red Bull know for sure.
The Dutchman’s F1 future has been a hot topic since last year, with Mercedes showing interest following Lewis Hamilton’s surprise decision to leave the team for Ferrari.
Verstappen has also been linked with a move to Aston Martin F1, especially since Adrian Newey took on the role of technical director.
Speaking after the first free practice session at the Canadian Grand Prix, Horner was adamant that Verstappen is fully committed to Red Bull.
“Obviously, drivers have performance clauses in their contracts, and it’s at certain times of the year, usually around summer, when things become clearer,” Horner acknowledged, while understandably declining to elaborate further.
“But I think a relationship with a driver has to go beyond a piece of paper. It’s about how comfortable and confident he feels within the team. There has never been a conversation with Max about going elsewhere.”
“His commitment has been total, and he’s been consistent in his communication with us and with you. For us, it’s about how we can improve, how we can be better, rather than referring to a piece of paper. In life, if you have to refer to a contract, then there’s a problem. It’s about a relationship with a driver and the trust they have in one another.”
Heading into the weekend, Verstappen is just one penalty point away from a race suspension. Horner declined to specify what Red Bull would do if Verstappen were forced to miss a race.
“First and foremost, it’s a situation we absolutely want to avoid. If it happens, we have enough drivers within the Red Bull pool.”
“Lindblad is only at the very beginning of his journey in Formula 1, having just earned that all-important super licence.”
Asked about the potential promotion of Isack Hadjar to the main team — something many believe should be postponed as long as possible — Horner replied: “It’s up to Red Bull and Red Bull alone to decide. With data, with analysis. We would handle the situation if it were to happen.”
