Red Bull boss confident Verstappen not bolting for Mercedes

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is confident three-time world champion Max Verstappen will remain with the team amid rumors 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, 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 was recently cleared following an investigation into alleged misconduct, and Jos Verstappen 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, stoking rumors that Max Verstappen could be a target when Lewis Hamilton leaves for Ferrari next year.

Horner downplayed that possibility Thursday, telling reporters 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."

Horner said that he spoke with Jos Verstappen following the Bahrain race and that both sides have agreed to move on.

"I think it's in everybody's interest, collectively, that we've agreed to move on, to focus on the future," Horner said, per motorsport.com. "We both have a vested interest in his son to get the best and provide the best cars for him and to get the best out of him.

"And he's started the season in the best possible way. He's an outstanding talent. And hopefully, we can continue to provide him with a very competitive car."

Verstappen, 26, is coming off a victory at Bahrain, where teammate Sergio Perez took second place.

The controversy surrounding Horner has continued despite him being cleared following the investigation. The woman who accused him of the misconduct has been suspended by Red Bull, according to a report by ESPN.

"An awful lot has been made of this," Horner said. "It is of great interest in different areas of the media for different reasons. The time now is to draw a line under it."