Christian Horner opens about the future of Max Verstappen at Red Bull in the midst of doubts – and sends warning to the father Jos van Sterren after length

Christian Horner it insists that he has no fears Max VerstappenThe dedication to Red Bull despite increasing unrest about his future.

Verstappen was contracted with Red Bull until 2028, but in April their most important adviser Helmut Marko, who is also a mentor for the Dutchman, admitted that the team had ‘great worries’ about whether he would stay.

He can leave this summer if he is lower than third in the rankings of the drivers because of a clause in his contract. The four -time champion is third, 26 points for fourth place in fourth place George RussellGo to the Canadian doctor on Sunday.

Mercedes and McLaren both tried to lure him last year, although Silver Arrows Boss TOTO WOLFF admitted in March that their interest in him had cooled.

Verstappen’s father Jos had a flaring row with Horner last year and claimed that the team would ‘explode’ if he would stay in the post after accusations of ‘compulsive behavior’ against a female staff member and that his son could leave. Horner was cleaned up after an internal investigation.

Given all this, is Horner not afraid that Verstappen could leave? ‘No, he has always been loyal to the team and Red Bull in general. We grew together, “Horner told the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

Christian Horner is not worried about the Red Bull Future of Max Verstappen, despite the fears of others

Verstappen’s mentor Helmut Marko said the team had ‘great worries’ about his future

The four -fold world champion was contracted until 2028, but could leave if he is lower than third in the rankings of the drivers

“He came here as a teenager and is now a 27-year-old father and four-time world champion. With Max you know where you stand. I still think he feels very good here.

‘For me, relationships are more important than contracts. If you have to point out a contract, it will especially show that a relationship does not work. A contract is something that you sign and that contains principles, but then it disappears in a drawer. Then you only refer to it if you have a problem. There will always be commotion in this paddock around a driver of his form and talent. ‘

About the attempt by Wolff to use Verstappen and McLaren Team director Zak Brown’s call to the administrator manager, he said: “They would not do their work well if they didn’t. But that does not automatically mean that Max will leave. It is only part of Formula 1. “

And on the father of his starviver Jos, he said: ‘I think it is always important to look out together. Jos is right. I have enormous respect for everything he has done for Max.

‘And we must not forget that we have to do it together. This is one of the most competitive sports in the world. We will only succeed in challenging McLaren if we work together as a team, “he warned.

Red Bull has been left in the dust this year and are fourth in the rankings of the constructors.

They have less than half of the points of the dominant party McLaren, but follow Ferrari and Mercedes closely.

Horner’s outfit has had many problems with the car this season after the legendary designer Adrian Newey walked to Aston Martin.

Mercedes Chief Toto Wolff has cooled his striving for the services of the Dutchman. Provisional

McLaren CEO Zak Brown also called Verstappen’s manager last year, but has two excellent drivers on his selection

Verstappen’s father Jos had a heated feud with Horner last year, but the Red Bull Chief says they ‘have to work together’

Horner admits that it would be ‘naive’ to expect Red Bull to set the standard next season

And the two teammates from Verstappen, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have also been from the pace to contribute to their plume in the rankings.

The changes in sports regulations will have a huge impact in 2026 and Red Bull will develop their own motorcycle for the first time in collaboration with Ford.

In the light of that, Horner admitted to De Telegraaf: ‘I really believe that we will be in a competitive position. But it would be naive and almost disrespectful to Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda to think that we will set the standard in our first year.

‘We have never built an engine and have not driven in a round. But I am convinced that we have the right people on board to deliver. It will undoubtedly take time and be a steep learning curve. 2026 will be a reset for the entire team. It is part of Red Bull’s DNA to embrace risks. ‘