Red Bull Formula 1 boss Christian Horner has said there is no clause in Max Verstappen’s deal which would allow him to leave due to Adrian Newey’s impending exit.
Following intense speculation, Red Bull announced earlier this week that Newey will bring his almost two-decade partnership with the team to a close in March 2025.
Newey has been the guru behind the cars that Verstappen has driven to three titles, and the Dutchman has been insistent that he wants the group to remain together.
Amid rumours that a power struggle could prompt Verstappen to move, Newey’s choice has prompted Max’s father, Jos, to claim Red Bull “is in danger of falling apart”.
Verstappen has quashed claims that he is seeking a potential switch, while Horner has denied that he’s concerned about the reports linking his star driver with a move.
“Well, you report those rumblings every week, but he’s still here,” Horner told Sky F1. “And look, Max is very happy in the team.
“He’s got a wonderful group of engineers around him. He’s got a great car. He’s in the best car of the grid. He’s driving in the form of his life.
“And it’s not about contracts. It’s about being content. And I think that’s the same for any driver. And he has that.
“He has that dynamic around him. And I think that what you’re seeing with him is a driver that’s revelling in that environment.”
The tension within Red Bull that emanated from an investigation into Horner’s behaviour prompted advisor Helmut Marko to claim that he could become suspended.
While it’s touted that a clause involving Marko is included in Verstappen’s contract, Horner has denied that Newey’s exit could allow the reigning champion to depart.
Asked whether Verstappen had a clause in his contract that centres on Newey’s presence, Horner replied: “No. Max’s contract is obviously always going to remain confidential.
“But there’s no clauses with Adrian that link Adrian in any way to Max. They’ve enjoyed a good relationship over the years, as have our, obviously, previous drivers.
“But Max as well understands that there’s been a planning process to this. And it’s not just a knee-jerk. And so, the structure will not change with Adrian stepping back.”
