04/07/2025 16:32
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has failed to verify that
Max Verstappen will race for his squad next year. Verstappen has
consistently been mooted with an exit from the Red Bull outfit over
the last 12 months - however, the rumours have only intensified in
recent weeks. The Dutchman has been linked with a move to Mercedes
for next year when fresh technical regulations will come into play.
Verstappen himself has failed to categorically confirm his position
at Red Bull next year, with rumours of performance clauses
potentially being in play, allowing him to exit the team before the
end of his contract in 2028. Horner faced the F1 media on Friday at
Silverstone, where he was quizzed over Verstappen's future. When
asked by RacingNews365 if he could assert that Verstappen would be
in Red Bull colours next year, Horner highlighted it is the team's
utmost intention - but could not validate that Verstappen would
still be his driver. "The contracts between the drivers and the
team are always going to remain confidential," he said. "And with
any driver's contract, there is an element of performance mechanism
and that exists within Max's contract. "The absolute intention is
that he will be there and driving for us in 2026. It's inevitable
that he's of huge interest to any other team and in the pit lane."
A transfer to Mercedes would seemingly come at the expense of
George Russell, who has not yet been tied down to an extension.
Horner has suggested the current speculation could have stemmed
from Russell himself to gauge his position in negotiations. "I
think actually probably George triggered all this speculation,
probably trying to leverage his own situation and force clarity,
which you can you can understand," Horner said. "He's driven a very
good season as well this year. But inevitably, there will always be
speculation about. "I think most important thing is the clarity
that exists between Max and the team."
