Red Bull confident of retaining Max Verstappen amid Mercedes move rumours

Red Bull are confident three-time world champion Max Verstappen will remain with the team amid rumours that he might be eyeing a move to rival Mercedes.

Verstappen's contract runs through 2028 and the Dutchman said this week that he's "very happy" with Red Bull. However, team principal Christian Horner held a meeting with Verstappen's manager after having a public argument with the driver's father, Jos, at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Horner has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons recently. He was cleared following an investigation into alleged misconduct, and Verstappen's father Jos said this week that "the team is in danger of being torn apart."

The elder Verstappen was also seen talking to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, adding to rumours that Max could be a target when Lewis Hamilton leaves for Ferrari next year.

Horner downplayed that possibility on Thursday, stating at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix that he is "certain" Verstappen will be with Red Bull through at least his current contract.

"He's got a great team around him. He's got great faith in that team. And we've achieved an awful lot together," Horner said. "So he's committed to an agreement until 2028."

It was one of those days for Lewis