Horner is confident that Verstappen will remain with Red Bull after 2019
- Published on 05 May 2019 11:00
-
- By: Richard Fletcher
Red Bull's team principal Christian Horner says that he is "totally confident" that Max Verstappen will remain at Red Bull for the 2020 season.
There has been speculation that Mercedes have been interested in the Dutch driver, but the rumours have been laughed off by Toto Wolff and Verstappen who have dismissed the speculation. Verstappen's contract with Red Bull runs to the end of 2020, although it is understood that there is a performance clause that would allow him to leave if Honda did not prove competitive.
Horner has said: "Max has a contract and it's very clear what that position is. I'm totally confident that he'll be here next year."
Verstappen has had one podium finish this year and three fourth-place finishes which have left him 36 points behind Valtteri Bottas who is currently leading the championship.
Horner said this about the team's results: "Three fourth positions in a row is getting a little bit boring now and I think we want to be fighting for the podium again."
"Max selected another gear since last years Canadian Grand Prix. We want to give him the tools that he can take the fight to Ferrari and Mercedes."
Verstappen is looking forward to the next race at the Circuit De Catalunya where he scored his maiden Grand Prix victory in 2016. "It's a good track and we all test there during pre-season so hopefully that will help us set up the car straight away.
Putting thoughts of ending his contract aside Verstappen added: "For us, the main thing is to keep maximising our results while we hopefully continue to close the gap to the championship leaders."
1
Replies (4)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I think it's the most likely scenario. I mean, where else would he go? I don't see Hammy or Vettel welcoming him over to their cribs, not when they already have competitive team mates (situations I don't think either of them are happy with), and Verstappen is the official lead driver of RBH now. And let's be honest, I fully expect Ferrari and Merc' to remain at the top, with Red Bull a constant third, for a few years to come.
Kean
Posts: 692
Ferrari might tire of Vettel and we'll see a switch. And when Key delivers for McLaren, RBR might be fourth. (hope, hope)
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Maybe they will, maybe they won't. I still think he all in all contribute more to the team than he take away, especially on the technical sides and so. As for McLaren, I think it'll take longer than this for them to get on top. Remember, they are also bleeding a lot.. A LOT... of money right now, and that won't help them. It might be good for P4, but they ain't RP, the gods of micromanaging cash. P4 is great for them already right now, especially when looking at the field they're against.
Pistonhead
Posts: 556
Hamilton has a team mate who is hardly a soft touch (now) and same for Vettel, I can't see those line ups chains for a couple of years yet.