Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says the reigning Formula 1 champions will not attempt to forcibly keep Max Verstappen at the team against his will, despite the Dutchman being contracted until the end of 2028.

Verstappen’s future has come under the spotlight in recent weeks amid apparent turmoil behind the scenes at Red Bull. The 26-year-old triple world champion warned that he may not want to remain at the Milton Keynes squad if long-time advisor Helmut Marko departs.

“I’ve always clearly indicated that he [Marko] has to stay. I can’t continue without him,” Verstappen stated prior to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

His strong backing of Marko was viewed as a political message aimed at Red Bull’s senior management as they evaluate potential changes at the top of the team’s hierarchy.

While describing his relationship with Verstappen as “absolutely fine” with “no tension”, Horner conceded that no driver can ultimately be forced to remain somewhere they don’t wish to be.

“If somebody didn’t want to be at this team, then we’re not going to force somebody, against their will, to be here,” Horner explained. “That applies whether it’s a machine operator, or a designer, or Max.

“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.”

Horner’s comments mark a change from his pre-Saudi stance when he expressed confidence Verstappen would see out his Red Bull contract.

It’s understood Red Bull’s ownership group has grown increasingly frustrated by the public airing of the team’s internal issues through statements and media leaks in recent weeks.

Though keen to retain Verstappen’s services, there is a realization that the Dutchman’s undoubted talent may not be worth retaining at all costs if the off-track angst continues.

“Look, I’m sure every team in the paddock would love to have Max,” Horner said. “But as Toto [Wolff] also said, the best drivers always want to be in the best cars.

“As a team, we perform exceptionally well together. Max has achieved all of his success with Red Bull. You can never say never though – if a driver doesn’t want to be somewhere then they’ll go somewhere else.”

With 5 years remaining on Verstappen’s lucrative Red Bull deal, the reigning champions have time on their side to resolve the situation. But making him stay against his will is clearly not an option they are willing to pursue.