Formula One team Red Bull would not force world champions Max Verstappen to fulfil his contract until 2028, team principal Christian was on Monday quoted as saying.
“It's like anything in life: you can't force somebody to be somewhere just because of a piece of paper,” reports including from autosport.com cited Horner as saying at the weekend Saudi Arabia Grand Prix in Jeddah.
“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 had previously said that he has no doubt that three-time world champion Verstappen will stay.
Red Bull are reportedly engaged in a power struggle between the Austrian soft drinks giants and their successful F1 team which has won the last three drivers' and constructors' title.
Horner was cleared of inappropriate conduct allegations from a female employee, who has since be suspended, in an internal investigation. But anonymous messages were then sent to F1 officials and the media which put pressure on Horner again.
Motorsport adviser Helmut Marko, employed by the team's parent company Red Bull GmbH, suggested in Jeddah he may be suspended.
He later said after talks with Red Bull sports CEO Oliver Mintzlaff that he will stay and insisted he hadn't leaked the messages.
Verstappen's father Jos hit out at Horner in several interviews, saying he had to leave to prevent the team from being torn apart. Verstappen himself said he could not imagine staying at the team if Marko left.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said that they would "love to have" Verstappen, with a vacancy next year because Lewis Hamilton will be leaving for Ferrari.
But Horner also said that he has full faith in Verstappen who has won the first two season races in commanding style amid the turmoil.
“It's absolutely fine with Max. He's working well within the team. There's no tension, there's no stress, and you can see how relaxed he is around the garage with everybody in the team," Horner said.
“That's translating into his performance on track as well. So we don't see any issues with Max," he added. "I have no doubt of his commitment and passion going forward.”
