Vettel will be staying put, says Red Bull boss

Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel has no agreement with Ferrari and will be staying at Red Bull for years to come, team boss Christian Horner said on Tuesday.

Horner told reporters ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone that persistent speculation about the 24-year-old German's future was wide of the mark, even if it was unlikely to disappear.

"I have spoken with Sebastian about it and he's made it quite clear that he hasn't had any dialogue and hasn't signed anything with Ferrari. The rumor mill always will continue," he said.

Vettel has won the last two championships with British-based Red Bull and is currently fourth overall, 26 points behind Ferrari's leader Fernando Alonso after eight of 20 races.

Australian teammate Mark Webber is second, six points ahead of Vettel.

Speculation about Vettel's future flared recently when Ferrari principal Stefano Domenicali said the German and Spaniard Alonso could "easily co-exist together" on the same team.

Media reports in May also suggested Vettel had signed a pre-contract with Ferrari - the most successful, oldest and most glamorous team in Formula One - with a move likely in 2014. Alonso has a contract to the end of 2016.

"I think most of our team has been going to Ferrari at some point this year, whether it be (designer) Adrian (Newey), Mark, Sebastian, even myself at one stage was supposed to be going," said Horner.

"Sebastian is very comfortable in the team, the team is very comfortable with Sebastian. He's been with Red Bull for over 12 years now and I think he will be with us for quite a few years to come. I have no concern over Sebastian and where he will be in 2013, 2014 or beyond," said the Briton.

Horner said Vettel, who still has 2 1/2 years remaining on his Red Bull contract, was motivated by winning and success and the relationship between team and driver was more than just a piece of paper.