Horner doubts F1's top drivers will move teams in 2021
Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner says he doesn't see any reason why top Formula 1 drivers would want to change teams in 2021.
Podium: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Erik Junius
The contracts of most drivers in the leading teams - including Red Bull's own Max Verstappen - expire at the end of 2020.
Mercedes' world champion Lewis Hamilton has been linked with Ferrari, with his team boss Toto Wolff suggesting that there’s only a 75% chance of Hamilton staying.
If Hamilton goes elsewhere or even retires, Verstappen is regarded as the obvious target for Mercedes, having been on Wolff’s radar since his F3 days.
However, Horner is convinced that most of the key players - including his star driver - will remain where they are.
“I think all the top guys are out of contract for the end of next year,” said Horner. “He [Verstappen] is very happy in this team.
“We love having him in the team, he fits very well here. It's down to us to give him a competitive car next year, but I think ultimately when the music stops I wouldn’t be at all surprised for everybody to end up remaining in the same seats."
Asked why he was so convinced that there would be no changes, Horner said: “I think [Charles] Leclerc's under contract at Ferrari. Lewis obviously is pretty happy in his environment. Max is happy in his environment.
“So if they're sitting in competitive cars next year, why would they swap, or why would they move?”
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