Christian Horner Hits Back at 'Nonsense' Verstappen Ex...read more

Christian Horner Slams ‘Nonsense’ Theory About Verstappen Planning Red Bull Exit

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has hit back at a controversial theory suggesting Max Verstappen is deliberately underperforming in order to trigger an early release from his Red Bull contract, calling the claim “complete nonsense.”

The speculation was fueled by former F1 driver and pundit Ralf Schumacher following Verstappen’s clash with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. Verstappen, a four-time world champion, was penalized after being told to give a position back to Russell, eventually receiving three penalty points and a 10-second time penalty.

Schumacher proposed on Sky Sports Germany that Verstappen’s actions may have been intentional, suggesting he could be aiming to finish outside the top three in the championship standings—reportedly a condition that might activate a release clause in his contract, which currently runs through 2028.

“You have to wonder—if such a clause exists—why things like this suddenly happen,” Schumacher said. “Why take such an unnecessary penalty? Maybe if you’ve already made up your mind to leave, you stop caring about maintaining your standing.”

Horner was quick to rubbish the claim.

“That’s the biggest nonsense I’ve heard in a long time,” Horner told Bild. “Max is a pure racer. He lives to win. The idea that he would deliberately compromise his title hopes is utterly ridiculous.”

Verstappen’s 10th-place finish in Barcelona has left him nearly 50 points behind current championship leader Oscar Piastri, with his third-place position now under threat from George Russell.

Despite the speculation, Verstappen’s aggressive drive and competitive spirit have long defined his racing style—making the theory of a strategic decline in form hard to believe for most observers.

With the Canadian Grand Prix approaching, Verstappen will look to put the rumors to rest the only way he knows how—by getting back to winning ways on the track.