Horner "totally confident" Verstappen will be a Red Bull driver beyond 2019

Christian Horner is sure Max Verstappen will continue to drive for Red Bull beyond 2019. Reports suggested that Mercedes has contacted the young Dutchman, but that hasn't dented Horner's confidence.

The 21-year-old is currently competing in his fifth Formula 1 season, his fourth with Red Bull. Last season, Horner lost Daniel Ricciardo to Renault despite feeling confident about his signing.

It is understood that Verstappen has a contract clause which will release him if Honda proves uncompetitive. Horner was asked by GPtoday.net about the future of Verstappen.

"Max has a contract and it's very clear what that position is. I'm totally confident that he'll be here next year," Horner commented.

Verstappen has scored just one point less than Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel after four Grands Prix. The Red Bull driver has recorded one podium finish so far in 2019 but has finished fourth in every race since the opener in Australia.

"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," Horner added.