Red Bull team boss Christian Horner says that if Max Verstappen no longer wishes to remain with the Milton Keynes-based outfit, the Dutchman won’t be held to the terms of his contract.
While Verstappen is signed with Red Bull until 2028, speculation regarding the reigning world champion’s long-term commitment intensified last weekend in Jeddah.
Helmut Marko’s comments on Friday alluding to his possible ousting from Red Bull triggered a strong reaction from Verstappen who implied that the Austrian’s exit would be a tipping for him as well.
As battle lines were clearly drawn between the Horner and Marko factions, Verstappen publicly sided with the latter, highlighting where his loyalty lies.
"I've always clearly indicated that he [Marko] has to stay. I can't continue without him,” the Dutchman said.
On Saturday, Marko stated that a crisis meeting in the paddock with Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff had taken him out of the crossfire and that his advisory position with the energy drink company was no longer at risk.
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However, tensions are unlikely to dissipate inside Red Bull Racing even despite Mintzlaff’s conciliatory tone, having declared his support for the F1 team’s current management.
Verstappen’s public support for Marko coupled with Jos Verstappen’s contentious remarks that called for Horner’s removal aren’t lost on the Red Bull team principal.
Heading into the Saudi weekend, Horner expressed his certainty that Verstappen would remain with Red Bull until at least the end of 2028.
But by Saturday evening, that conviction had evolved into a stance by which Horner appeared to call Verstappen’s bluff.
"It's like anything in life: you can't force somebody to be somewhere just because of a piece of paper," Horner explained.
"If somebody didn't want to be at this team, then we're not going to force somebody, against their will, to be here. That applies whether it's a machine operator, or a designer, or somebody in one of the support functions that runs through the business.
"Being involved in a team like this involves commitment and passion. Max has that. We've seen that, he's been here since he was 18 years of age.
"I have no doubt of his commitment and passion going forward."
As the inner team political turmoil unfolds, Horner is adamant that his working relationship with Verstappen remains intact.
“It's absolutely fine with Max," he said. "He's working well within the team. There's no tension, there's no stress, and you can see how relaxed he is around the garage with everybody in the team.
"That's translating into his performance on track as well. So we don't see any issues with Max."
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Horner’s fellow F1 colleagues – and especially Mercedes boss Toto Wolff – are closely watching developments at Red Bull, all too aware that the turbulence could trigger an opportunity to get their hands on Verstappen.
But Horner believes that the ultimate crucial factor that will determine Verstappen’s potential next step is the performance of the car.
"Look, I'm sure every team in the paddock would love to have Max," he said. "But as Toto also said, the best drivers always want to be in the best cars.
"We are a team. Max has achieved his 56th grand prix victory today and his 100th podium, all of which have been in Red Bull Racing cars. As a team, we perform exceptionally well together.
"You can never say never though. If a driver doesn't want to be somewhere then they'll go somewhere else, but as a team I can't see any reason why anyone would want to step out of this team. I think he has great support around him and he's doing a wonderful job with a great car."
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