Horner does not believe in Verstappen leaving: 'He has seen that too'

Honda's departure from Formula 1 has created a wave of rumours around Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen. According to Christian Horner, however, there is no engine related clause in the Dutchman's contract.

Verstappen signed his new contract with Red Bull Racing this winter and since the announced departure of Honda, stories have been circulating about it. The Dutchman would have a clause to leave if the car is not good or even if the engine is not good enough. However, Horner now denies the latter.

Surely he will not leave?

''The contracts between the driver and the team are private, but there is certainly no clause related to the engine in the contract of Verstappen'', says Horner in a broadcast of ServusTV. The Brit believes there are still plenty of opportunities for Verstappen at Red Bull, despite the departure of Honda.

''Max is competitive, feels very comfortable within the team and has a lot of confidence in Honda's programme. He has also seen that Honda will introduce the 2022 engine as early as 2021 and that is motivating for him. He is happy with it and it is still a long way to go towards 2022'', concludes Horner.