© Jiri Krenek for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Amid Red Bull’s internal turmoil, team boss Christian Horner says “if somebody didn’t want to be at this team, then we’re not going to force somebody, against their will, to be here”.
With rumours regarding Red Bull’s internal turmoil running rampant, there has been a lot of speculation in the media about Max Verstappen’s possible switch to Mercedes.
The speculation intensified after the Dutch driver said his fate is tied to the fate of Red Bull’s advisor Dr Helmut Marko, who is seemingly clashing with team boss Christian Horner.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff was also asked about the situation and he teased Marko could join Mercedes in a role similar to the late great Niki Lauda’s, obviously hinting at the fact that this could entice Max to follow him and join the German team.
With rumours about Max’s future running rampant, Christian Horner said he will not stand in the Dutchman’s way if he wants to leave Red Bull.
“It’s like anything in life: you can’t force somebody to be somewhere just because of a piece of paper,” Horner said.
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“If somebody didn’t want to be at this team, then we’re not going to force somebody, against their will, to be here.
“That applies whether it’s a machine operator, or a designer, or somebody in one of the support functions that runs through the business.
“Being involved in a team like this involves commitment and passion. Max has that. We’ve seen that, he’s been here since he was 18 years of age.
“I have no doubt of his commitment and passion going forward.”
As for his current relationship with Max, Horner explained:
“It’s absolutely fine with Max. He’s working well within the team. There’s no tension, there’s no stress, and you can see how relaxed he is around the garage with everybody in the team.
“That’s translating into his performance on track as well. So we don’t see any issues with Max.”
Toto Wolff recently said he would “love to have” Max at Mercedes, and Horner says this is not surprising.
“Look, I’m sure every team in the paddock would love to have Max, but as Toto also said, the best drivers always want to be in the best cars.
“We are a team. Max has achieved his 56th grand prix victory today and his 100th podium, all of which have been in Red Bull Racing cars. As a team, we perform exceptionally well together.
“You can never say never though. If a driver doesn’t want to be somewhere then they’ll go somewhere else, but as a team I can’t see any reason why anyone would want to step out of this team.
“I think he has great support around him and he’s doing a wonderful job with a great car,” the Briton concluded.
