Red Bull boss Christian Horner has cautioned that there are “no guarantees” that Max Verstappen would be in a better position with a move to Mercedes in Formula 1.
Verstappen’s name commanded the headlines in the build-up to this weekend’s British Grand Prix amid rumours that he is considering a potential switch to Mercedes.
George Russell’s revelation that Mercedes is involved in talks with Verstappen’s camp preceded a report that “concrete negotiations” are ongoing between the parties.
The Dutchman was tight-lipped when quizzed on the speculation at Silverstone, though he did reiterate his overriding desire is to conclude his F1 career with Red Bull.
Horner, who insisted that Mercedes has more pressing matters to resolve last weekend, expressed that Red Bull remains calm about where it stands with Verstappen.
“Look, I mean, there’s obviously an awful lot of people talking about it,” Horner told media including Motorsport Week.
“But what’s most important is the relationship between the driver and the team.
“Obviously, there’s an agreement that defines that as well. And everybody’s very clear on where we’re at.
“Max has been with Red Bull since the very start of his career. All his success has come in, obviously, Red Bull cars. And he’s a big part of our team.
“He has a great deal of faith in the team and the people around him.
“So whilst there’s always going to be speculation and noise, I think we all sit fairly comfortable with where we’re at and what the situation is.
“We can’t control the narrative of others. But internally, we know where we’re at.”
Red Bull acknowledge external interest in Verstappen
Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, but the deal is known to comprise an undisclosed break clause related to his individual standing in the championship.
Like Verstappen, Horner would not be drawn into publishing the terms that would entitle the reigning champion to a premature release with a view to going elsewhere.
“Look the contracts between the drivers and the teams are always going to remain confidential,” he emphasised.
“With any driver’s contract, there is an element of a performance mechanism. And of course, that exists within Max’s contract.
“Absolutely his intention is that he will be there and driving for us in 2026. Now, it’s inevitable that he’s of huge interest to any other team in the pitlane.”
“There will always be speculation about it. I think the most important thing is the clarity that exists between Max and the team.”
Mercedes not guaranteed to lead new era
Verstappen being linked to Mercedes has arisen at a time when the German marque is tipped to have stolen a march with development on the new 2026 engine rules.
However, Horner, whose Red Bull side is assembling its own power unit, has indicated Verstappen would be unwise to commit to a move based on such suppositions.
“2026 is going to be a transformational year,” the long-serving Red Bull team boss predicted.
“It’s the biggest rule change in Formula 1, probably in the last 50 years, where both chassis and power units are being introduced at the same time.
“Nobody with hand on heart can know what the pecking order is going to be.
“It could be either one of these gentlemen (Aston Martin or McLaren) sat either side of me, it could be Ferrari, it could be Mercedes, it could be anyone.
“So I think there’s an awful lot of subjectiveness to 2026. It’ll only be really this time next year that you’ll have a clear indication of what that that pecking order is.
“So there are no guarantees that jumping into a Mercedes car would automatically be a better proposition.”
READ MORE – Christian Horner touts Oscar Piastri as Red Bull Plan B should Max Verstappen leave
