Christian Horner makes 'problem' assessment on Max Verstappen contract

Christian Horner feels there would be "a problem" if he and Max Verstappen have to refer to the four-time F1 champion's contract to resolve his future.

Verstappen has a highly lucrative, long-term deal with Red Bull through to the end of 2028. Over the past 18 months, though, there have been numerous rumours about the 27-year-old potentially leaving for an F1 rival.

The latest suggestion, understood by RacingNews365, is that Verstappen has an exit clause in the deal that if he is not in the top three of the drivers' standings by a certain point over the next few weeks of the summer, then he could seek a move away.

At present, Verstappen is third, 26 points clear of George Russell for Mercedes, a team that has long been linked with a move for the Dutch driver.

Verstappen also stands one point away from a race ban. If he collects that over the current Canadian Grand Prix weekend, or the next on Red Bull's home turf in Austria, that would see him sidelined and open the door for Russell to move into that third position.

Asked on Sky Sports F1 whether Verstappen was approaching the contract clause window that would ensure he remains with Red Bull, Horner's response was telling.

"Drivers have performance clauses in their contracts, and there are points in the year, that tend to be around the summer time, that things materialise," said Horner.

"But a relationship with a driver has to go beyond what a piece of paper says. It has to be about their comfort in the team, their confidence in the team, and there's never been any discussion with Max about him being anywhere else.

"His commitment has been absolute. He's been consistent in what he says to you guys [the media], so for us, it's about how can we improve, how can we be better, rather than referring to a piece of paper.

"I alway think in life, if you've got to refer to a contract, you've got a problem. It's about a relationship with a driver, and about trust in each other."