Max Verstappen has signed a five-year contract to continue his Formula 1 journey with the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.
After a stellar 2021 season – pipping Lewis Hamilton to the championship title – the Dutchman is currently gearing up to fight for his second world title amid a season filled with new regulations and challenges.
The deal, which has been rumoured to make Verstappen as much as £40m-a-season, is potentially the most lucrative contract in Formula One history.
The world champion will now remain at Red Bull until the end of 2028, bringing him up to his 30th birthday and his 13th year in the sport.
Speaking about his decision to continue racing with the Milton Keynes-based outfit, the 24-year-old said: “I really enjoy being part of the 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.”
Meanwhile, team principal Christian Horner said Verstappen’s decision shows his commitment to the team and vice versa.
“I think it very much demonstrates the commitment that Red Bull has to Max and Max has to Red Bull, and I think this is fantastic news for the whole team,” he explained.
“It shows commitment from both sides and a real belief in what we’re doing. So what better way of starting this season than with the extension of this agreement until the end of the 2028 season is phenomenal for us.”
In other contract news, Haas announced this week that Russian driver, Nikita Mazepin will not remain in his seat for the 2022 season.
Their decision comes in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in recent weeks, with many sporting bodies opting to sanction any Russian sponsors and athletes.
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