Verstappen will be free to leave despite his contract, if he wants to leave

Verstappen currently has a contract to race with the team based in Milton Keynes until 2028, but his future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks following the turbulence at the top of Red Bull.

In the midst of what appears to be a power struggle for control of the Red Bull empire and its F1 team, suggestions last weekend that Helmut Marko might be forced to leave elicited strong reactions from Max Verstappen.

The triple world champion suggested that if Marko were to leave, Red Bull would have a “problem” because it could also lead him to decide that he no longer wanted to stay in the team. Speaking in Saudi Arabia, Verstappen stated: “I have always clearly stated that he [Marko] should stay. I cannot continue without him.”

Verstappen’s strong words on the subject were interpreted by many as a clear political message to Red Bull’s management about the consequences of taking action against Marko.

The Dutch have, however, been less ambiguous in their support for the team principal, Christian Horner – with his father Jos openly calling for him to be fired to prevent the team from falling apart.

Horner is well aware of the importance of Verstappen’s public support for Marko, and his statements that he would not want to stay if he lost his close ally.

However, Horner clearly indicated that if Verstappen strongly felt that he did not want to stay in the team, then he would not blindly hold him to his contract.

“It’s like everything in life: you can’t force someone to be somewhere just because of a piece of paper,” Horner declared.

If someone did not want to be on this team, then we would not force anyone, against their will, to be here. This applies whether it’s a machine operator, a designer, or someone in one of the support functions across the company.

Being involved in a team like this implies commitment and passion. Max has that. We’ve seen it, he’s been here since he was 18. I have no doubt about his commitment and passion for the future.

Horner’s remarks mark a notable change in tone compared to his position before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, when he stated that he had no doubt Verstappen would see out his contract with the team.

It is understood that at a high level within the energy drink company Red Bull, there are increasing frustrations regarding how internal team issues have been leaked to the media through leaks and private briefings.

Marko’s statements on television about a potential suspension, Verstappen’s subsequent threats to leave, and additional criticism from his father Jos against Horner in the newspapers were also seen as unhelpful in trying to restore calm within the F1 operation.

And although Verstappen is considered one of the key pillars of Red Bull’s recent success in F1, it is not impossible that if the off-track anxiety continues relentlessly, it could be perceived as a price not worth paying to try to keep him if he wishes to leave.

But even if the situation is not ideal, Horner insists that the relationship with his driver has not been affected.

“He’s absolutely fine with Max,” he said. “He works well within the team. There is no tension, there is no stress, and you can see how relaxed he is in the garage with everyone on the team. This also translates into his performance on the track. So, we don’t see any issue with Max.”

And while other teams try to use the uncertainty at Red Bull to lure Verstappen, Horner believes that the car’s performance will ultimately be the deciding factor in what happens next.

Look, I’m sure every team in the paddock would like to have Max, added Horner. But as Toto also said, the best drivers always want to be in the best cars.

We are a team. Max secured his 56th Grand Prix victory today and his 100th podium, all achieved in Red Bull Racing cars. As a team, we perform exceptionally well together.

We can never say never though. If a driver doesn’t want to be somewhere, they will go elsewhere, but as a team, I see no reason why someone would want to leave this team. I think he benefits from excellent support and does a great job with a great car.