Red Bull sure Verstappen won't leave

Christian Horner says he is 100 per cent sure Max Verstappen will stay with Red Bull in 2020. The Dutchman already has a contract for next year, but there have been rumours of contact between Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and Verstappen's management.

Mercedes made attempts to sign Verstappen in 2017, but the Dutchman opted to pen a long-term deal with Red Bull.

Both Verstappen and Wolff played down recent suggestions – made by Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko – that the pair had been in regular contact, and Horner sees no reason for concern.

"Max has a contract, so everything is fine," Red Bull team principal Horner said.

"I am 100 per cent sure he will drive for our team next year."

Verstappen has previously spoken of having a "Plan B" if Red Bull's relationship with Honda does not bear fruit, and Marko did confirm clauses in Verstappen's deal.

Reports have suggested that the Dutchman will be free to discuss terms with other teams if Red Bull do not finish third in the constructors' championship.

Thy are third after four races, with Verstappen having accrued 51 of Red Bull's 64 points.

Team-mate Pierre Gasly has struggled to get up to speed, but Horner was happy with his performance in Baku, which ended in a DNF after a late driveshaft failure.

"It didn't end well for him here, but he should be pleased with his weekend," Horner said.

"Pierre showed good pace in the first part of qualifying, and he would have finished sixth in the race despite starting from the pitlane.

"If you compare his pace to Leclerc's at certain moments, Pierre was actually faster."

Related

F1 Superstars

Wolff 'p*****' by Verstappen error as star makes Mercedes debut

• Yesterday 09:57

F1 Off The Track

Hamilton gains HUGE win over Verstappen at unusual venue

• April 17, 2024 21:13