Christian Horner drops MAJOR Verstappen departure bombshell

It is of course well-known that in the world of sports every party in a signed contract has performance clauses they can trigger to either drop or be dropped from the collaboration. Such is the case with Verstappen's and Red Bull's relationship as has been widely covered by GPblog.

Earlier today Horner acknowledged that the Dutchman had performance clauses that could trigger a potential exit, to media including GPblog. Nevertheless the Briton seemed to give too much information away in an interview during Friday activities at the British Grand Prix.

For the reigning world champion it is beyond clear, Red Bull is his home, it is the team he is loyal to and it's where he wants to end his F1 career in. However, Horner's words give a rather different take.

"We have a great relationship with Max. We know where we stand within the agreement, which will always remain confidential between him and the team," Horner said to Sky Italy.

It is now known, as GPblog reported, that one of the exit clauses in Verstappen's contract is dependant on him not being lower than P3 in the Drivers' standings before going into the summer break.

Horner now hints that this is indeed the case. "We are just focused on performing. If things stay as they are, 100 per cent he will be with us next year."

When pressed for clarification if Verstappen would indeed race for Red Bull next year or now, he pointed the finger to the man who is rumoured to make way for the Dutchman should he choose to go to Mercedes, George Russell.

"It's impossible to say 100 per cent. Is it clear George Russell will 100 per cent be at Mercedes next year?", Horner quipped.