Verstappen signs a new £200m deal with Red Bull
Max Verstappen has committed his future to Red Bull by signing a new five-year contract extension worth a staggering £200million.
The deal, which could earn Verstappen as much as £40million-a-season, is arguably the most lucrative in Formula One history, and will see theworldchampionremainat Red Bull until the end of 2028.
Verstappen’s current contract, worth around £20m-ayear, was due to expire at the end of next season. But the Dutchman, 24, has been rewardedforbeatingLewisHamilton to the title.
Verstappen’s salary hike matches the 37-year-old Hamilton’s £80m two-year Mercedesdealwhichexpiresatthe end of next season.
“I really enjoy being part of the Red Bull Racing team, so choosing to stay to the 2028 season was an easy decision,” said Verstappen, who will begin his championship defence in the Bahrain Grand Prix.
“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.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has long been an admirer of Verstappen, with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner claiming the Dutchman would be his rival’s No.1 target when Hamilton retires.
But relations between the two parties became strained during last year’s title battle. For his part, Verstappen, who madehisF1debutin2015when he was 17 before becoming the sport’s youngest winner on his Red Bull debut a year later, has alwayssaidhewillremainwith the Milton Keynes team if they deliveredamachinecapableof world titles.