Christian Horner plays down talk of Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull amid exit clause speculation

Christian Horner has insisted that Max Verstappen is ‘very happy’ at Red Bull in response to speculation over a potential exit.

Questions over the Formula 1 world champion’s future with the team have been raised amid the news that long-term design chief Adrian Newey will leave next year.

Newey’s designs have helped guide Verstappen to three consecutive world titles and the Dutchman has admitted he’d prefer him to stay.

The 26-year-old has also been sensationally linked with a switch to rivals Mercedes to replace the Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.

However, Red Bull team principal Horner appears to have quashed any rumours regarding his star driver.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he was asked if he was concerned about the ‘rumblings’ of Verstappen potentially leaving Red Bull.

However, Horner replied: “Well, you report those rumblings every week but he’s still here. 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 on the grid, he’s driving in the form of his life. 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.”

F1 legend Martin Brundle then asked if Verstappen has an exit clause in his contract that could include the departing Newey.

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“No,” Horner replied. “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.”

Verstappen is driving in his ninth year with Red Bull having replaced Daniil Kvyat early on in the 2016 season.

He has since won 58 races and claimed 102 podium finishes, and could be set to win a fourth world title later on in 2024.

The Dutchman has won four of the opening five races of the current season and sits top of the Drivers’ Championship on 110 points.

Red Bull are also leading the way in the Constructors’ Championship and can extend their advantage at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.