​Max Verstappen has a contract with RedBull until the end of 2028, but nevertheless Christian Horner (team principal) has stated that he will not forcefully keep the reigning world champion if he wants to leave one day.

RedBull says it will not force Max Verstappen out of his 2028 contract

As quoted by autosport.com, Horner said that RedBull will not under any circumstances force Max to stay with the team, even if the agreement between the two parties is long-term, until the end of 2028.

“It’s like everything else in life: you can’t force someone to be somewhere just because of a piece of paper. If someone does not want to be in this team, we will not force anyone to act against their will, to be here” – Christian Hornerreports autosport.com.

The comments of the head of RedBull Racing appeared after rumors recently appeared about the possible departure of Verstappen to Mercedes, in place of Lewis Hamilton, who will compete for Scuderia Ferrari from next year.

Horner recently avoided a charge of “improper conduct” after an employee came forward about harassment by his boss.

The complaint was dismissed following a “fair, thorough and impartial internal investigation,” RedBull said in a press release.

50-year-old Christian Horner was one of the key figures of RedBull in three consecutive drivers’ titles (Max Verstappen, seasons 2021, 2022, 2023).

Austrian composition also prevailed in constructors: born in 2022, 2023.

“Everything is absolutely fine with Max. Works well in a team. There is no tension, no stress and you can see how relaxed he is in the pits with everyone in the team.

This is also reflected in his performances on the track. So I don’t see a problem with Max. I have no doubts about his commitment and passion going forward,” he concluded Christian Horner.

“I am satisfied with the team. As long as we perform, I will have no reason to leave,” he added Max Verstappen.

Formula 1 – Tournament table of pilots

1. Max Verstappen – RedBull 51 points

2. Sergio Perez – RedBull 36

3. Charles Leclerc – Ferrari 28

4. George Russell – Mercedes 18

5. Oscar Piastri – McLaren 16

6. Carlos Sainz – Ferrari 15

7. Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin 12

8. Lando Norris – McLaren 12

9. Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes 8

10. Oliver Berman – Ferrari 6 etc.

Formula 1 – rating of constructors

1. RedBull 87 points

2. Ferrari 49

3. McLaren 28

4. Mercedes 26

5. Aston Martin 13

6. HAAS 1

7. Williams 0

8. Sauber strike 0

9. RB Honda 0

10. Alpine Renault 0.

What does the 2024 Formula 1 season look like?

1) Deputy from Bahrain / March 2 / The winner is Max Verstappen

2) deputy from Saudi Arabia / March 9 / The winner is Max Verstappen

3) Member of Parliament of Australia / March 24 / Albert Park circuit

4) Deputy from Japan / April 7 / Suzuka

5) Deputy from China / April 21 / Shanghai

6) Miami MP / May 5 / Miami International Autodrome

7) Deputy from Emilia-Romagna / May 19 / Imola

8) Deputy from Monaco / May 26 / Monaco

9) Canadian MP / June 9 / Gilles Villeneuve, Monteal

10) Deputy from Spain / June 23 / Barcelona, ​​Montmelo

11) Deputy from Austria / June 30 / Spielberg

12) British MP / July 7 / Silverstone

13) Deputy from Hungary / July 21 / Hungaroring

14) Deputy from Belgium / July 28 / Spa-Francorchamps

15) Deputy from the Netherlands / August 25 / Zandvoort

16) Deputy from Italy / September 1 / Monza

17) Deputy from Azerbaijan / September 15 / Baku

18) MP of Singapore / September 22 / Marina Bay

19) Member of the US Parliament / October 20 / Texas, Austin

20) Deputy from Mexico / October 27 / Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez

21) São Paulo MP / November 3 / Interlagos

22) Las Vegas MP / November 23 / Las Vegas Strip Circuit

23) Deputy of Qatar / December 1 / Lusail

24) Deputy of Abu Dhabi / December 8 / Yas Marina.