F1 2020, Max Verstappen Future, Red Bull Racing, F1 News

Red Bull is confident that a “very lucky” Max Verstappen will sign a new contract despite ties to Mercedes and a possible carousel of the F1 2021 driver.

With eight wins and 31 podiums at the age of 22, Verstappen has firmly established himself as one of the most sought-after F1 stars and is one of many high-profile drivers – including Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel – who sees his contract with his current team coming to an end next season.

Hamilton’s possible move to Ferrari has so far dominated the chatter in the driver market, but Verstappen has long been a rumored target for Mercedes, who have won all 12 F1 titles since Red Bulls last 2013.

However, Red Bull believes they can persuade Verstappen to stay.

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“He is very happy in this team and we love to have him on the team,” said team principal Christian Horner to reporters. “It fits here very well.

“It’s up to us to give him a competitive car next year.”

Horner also suggested that neither Hamilton nor Verstappen should necessarily go to warn of F1’s “crystal ball” as the sport prepares for major rule changes and a possible update to the pecking order in 2021.

“Ultimately, I wouldn’t be surprised if the music stops seeing everyone in the same places,” he added.

“Lewis is obviously quite happy around him and Max is happy around him.

“So if they are in competitive cars next year, why should they switch? Why should they move? “

Red Bull has helped make Verstappen a superstar since he was promoted by Toro Rosso as a teenager in 2016. However, the Dutchman was open about his desire for a package of title bouts that the former world champion has not yet given him.

According to Horner, Red Bull, armed with an improving Honda engine, is optimistic about a 2020 title challenge as they “get closer” to Mercedes.

But Hamilton did little to speak of a Verstappen-Mercedes connection when he recently concluded that he was one of several drivers who had “called” Mercedes and “asked” about a ride.

Meanwhile, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff insisted that the Silver Arrows only “start a fishing mission with potential drivers” when Hamilton’s future has been clarified.

This article was originally published by Sky Sports and reproduced with permission.