Horner addresses Verstappen F1 quit threat

Christian Horner has addressed the possibility of Max Verstappen quitting Formula 1, believing it not to be an imminent risk.

The World Champion has grown frustrated with the tinkering of Grand Prix weekends through the introduction of sprint races and increase of the calendar.

He has hinted he could walk away when his current Red Bull deal expires at the end of the 2028 season - with Horner saying it was a positive that drivers could voice their opinions over the direction of F1.

Horner addresses Verstappen claims

"Well, thankfully, his contract has many years to run on it, so we don't see that as an imminent risk," Horner told media, including RacingNews365.com, of Verstappen's threats to quit.

"But, you know, of course, he has an opinion on it and he'll always speak openly on it and voice his opinion.

"And I think that it's so hard to look too far down the road. Did Fernando Alonso think he'd be racing at 42? Probably not. I mean, Lewis Hamilton is in his latter 30s.

"So the future is just so difficult to predict. But I think it's great that drivers do have opinions and they don't just become stereotypes.

Verstappen on the hunt for a third title

Reigning double World Champion Verstappen looks set to only be denied a third-straight crown by Sergio Perez in the sister Red Bull, who is enjoying his best ever start to an F1 season with two wins, two seconds and fifth from the opening fifth races, plus sprint victory in Azerbaijan.

Horner, who was speaking before Verstappen's third win of the season in Miami, believes the title race will be a "marathon" but warned caution if Mercedes and Ferrari can close the gap.

"Checo’s had a fantastic start to the season, so he's started the season stronger than he's ever done," said Horner.

"And I think that, as we all know, confidence is a big thing in any sport and Checo’s confidence is sky high, and this Championship is going to be a marathon and there'll be highs and lows to it along the way,

"His challenge, and the challenge for both drivers is maintaining the consistency, and for sure we're going to see [Mercedes] turn up and Ferrari at some point, so it won't just be about our drivers."

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