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Red Bull team boss Christian Horner knows that Red Bull has to produce a competitive car if it wants to keep hold of young super star Max Verstappen. The Dutchman has had a disappointing 2017 season so far after the team entered the season with a heavy margin to the leaders.
Red Bull was expected to rise to the fight and battle Mercedes for the title, but it has been Ferrari who has taken up that position. Verstappen has also suffered from woeful reliability this season and sits 50 points behind teammate Daniel Ricciardo.
"A contract must reflect mutual interest," Horner said. "It does not make sense to talk about the longer term because we must first offer him a car that he can win with," Horner added. "I am convinced that once we succeed there will be no team for which he would rather drive."
Asked how Verstappen is coping with his tough season, Horner said: "Very maturely, especially when you consider how young he is. In England, Max can't even rent a car! It's impressive how he deals with the pressure, expectations and interest, especially from the Netherlands.
"As a driver, he is becoming stronger but also as a human. No one is perfect, so it's always about improving in small ways. That's also exactly the way we work as a team. While already at a high level, Max has the same desire to get more and more out of himself."
Fergal Walsh
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calle.itw
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Excellent analysis, Mr. Horner. We couldnt possibly have come to that conclusion without your help.