P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull will not “force” Verstappen to stay if he wants out
Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull Racing has been under scrutiny due to the team’s recent internal turmoil and speculation about the future of key figures like Helmut Marko and Christian Horner. Verstappen has publicly expressed his strong support for Marko, stating that he cannot continue without him. However, his backing for Horner has been less enthusiastic, with his father even suggesting Horner’s dismissal. Despite his contract until 2028, Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has acknowledged that they would not force Verstappen to stay if he truly wanted to leave. The team’s internal conflicts and public disputes have raised concerns within the Red Bull organization, potentially jeopardizing the relationship with Verstappen if the situation continues to escalate.