Max Verstappen has signed a six-year contract extension to remain at Red Bull until end of 2028 F1 season.
Verstappen made his F1 debut in 2015 for Toro Rosso before sealing a promotion to Red Bull in May 2016, which saw him clinch his maiden F1 victory on debut for the Austrian constructor at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.
The 24 year-old Dutch driver has since gone on to clinch 19 further wins of which ten of those victories came last season, en route to a controversial maiden F1 title after an explosive final lap showdown in Abu Dhabi to end Lewis Hamilton’s four-season reign as champion.
During that time, Verstappen previously extended his contract at Red Bull in January 2020 until the end of the 2023 season, which has now been extended into a new longer-term deal with a further five-seasons added to the deal.
Speaking about his brave decision to commit long-term to Red Bull, Verstappen commented: “I really enjoy being part of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Team, so choosing to stay to the 2028 season was an easy decision.
“I love this Team and last year was simply incredible, our goal since we came together in 2016 was to win the championship and we have done that, so now it’s about keeping the number one on the car long-term.”
Red Bull Team Principal, Christian Horner added that Verstappen’s decision to commit to Red Bull until late 2028 serves as “a real statement of intent.”
Horner though iterated that Red Bull’s “immediate focus is on retaining Max’s World Championship title, but this deal also shows he is a part of the Team’s long-term planning.”
This season meanwhile sees a new set of technical regulations come into effect with Verstappen finishing the first pre-season test sixth fastest overall, despite having set his best time on C3 tyres which was only bettered by Charles Leclerc as the top four were on C5 or C4 tyres respectively.
Horner however seems more focused on the long-term with new engine regulations set to arrive for 2026 season, as he iterated that his priority is to secure “the best driver on the grid” for that era after launching Red Bull Powertrains following Honda’s exit at end of 2021.
Leave a Reply