March 03, (THEWILL) – Red Bull has signed Max Verstappen to a long-term contract that will keep him with the team until 2028.
On the final lap of the 2021 season, the Dutchman grabbed the world title from Lewis Hamilton in dramatic and contentious circumstances.
“I really enjoy being part of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Team, so choosing to stay for the 2028 season was an easy decision”, said Verstappen.
“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.”
The contract would keep the 24-year-old racing until he is close to 30 years old, signalling Red Bull’s intent as Verstappen prepares to defend his title this year.
Verstappen is understood to have agreed to the terms during pre-season testing in Barcelona last week before addressing the finer points at the team’s Milton Keynes plant on Tuesday.
The about £40 million-per-year contract puts him on pace with rival Lewis Hamilton, whom he beat in a dramatic finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December.
Verstappen, who debuted in Formula One at the age of 17, will begin his title defence on March 20 in Bahrain.
“Our 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,” team principal Christian Horner said.
“With the Red Bull Powertrains division working towards the new engine regulations for 2026 we wanted to make sure we had the best driver on the grid secured for that car.”
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
