Horner: 'Verstappen is naturally on top of Mercedes' list if Hamilton leaves'

Red Bull officially announced on Monday that it will take over the Honda engines after 2022. Thanks to a freeze in the engine regulations, they should then be able to remain competitive. Should the prospects not be good, Max Verstappen might leave.

That opportunity could arise as early as next season when Lewis Hamilton's contract expires and a performance clause could be triggered for Verstappen. Horner is also taking this into account. "I am sure that if Lewis decides to quit, Max will of course be at the top of Mercedes' list," Horner told the Independent and others.

Horner confident of clause not being used

"The reality is, that yes of course - as always - there are performance-related clauses in Max's contract." 

But according to Horner, there is no reason to think Verstappen will use them now. Apart from the fact that Mercedes have other talents at their disposal (George Russell), there are no problems between Verstappen and Red Bull at the moment.

Verstappen believes in (and is aware of) the investments Red Bull is making for him. It's up to Red Bull to deliver on that promise. "The point is that you shouldn't force a driver who doesn't want to be here to stay. I am confident that we will not have to invoke contractual clauses. It will be up to us to deliver a competitive car," Horner said.