Red Bull have issued a “real statement of intent” by securing Max Verstappen on a new long-term contract, according to Christian Horner, as the team prepare for another title battle with Lewis Hamilton.
The Dutchman, who clinched his maiden world championship title after taking the checkered flag in a controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, has been rewarded for his sensational driving last season.
The 24-year-old already had a deal in place that was due to run until the end of next season, but the Austria-based constructor have moved to tie down Verstappen until 2028 with a bumper pay rise included.
The new package is thought to be worth an eye-watering £40m-a-year — matching Hamilton's deal to make Verstappen one of the highest-paid drivers in the sport’s history.
Horner, who notably described Verstappen as the “best driver on the grid”, was delighted to have locked down the driver he has nurtured from a young age and says it sends a strong message to their rivals.
”To have Max signed through to the end of 2028 is a real statement of intent,” CEO and team principal Christian Horner said.
“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.
“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.”
Verstappen became only the second driver to pip Hamilton to the title since he moved to Mercedes after Nico Rosberg achieved the feat in 2016.
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He beat the seven-time champion by just eight points after the last-lap drama at the Yas Marina Circuit, with the pair engaging in several high-drama clashes throughout the season, infamously at the British and Italian Grands Prix.
It was understood that Mercedes were keen on approaching Verstappen as a long-term replacement for Hamilton, with doubts emanating from the German manufacturer over how much longer the 37-year-old will remain in the sport.
But it appears Verstappen will be sticking with the Red Bull team for the best years of his career after the deal was confirmed on Thursday.
Verstappen has gone on to win 20 races in total and finish on the podium on 60 occasions in 118 starts for Red Bull, and their recent success made the decision a formality from his viewpoint.
"I really enjoy being part of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Team, so choosing to stay to the 2028 season was an easy decision,” Verstappen said.
"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.”
While the major shift in technical and financial regulations for 2022 could shake up the order of the grid, Red Bull are likely to be face another enticing tussle with Hamilton and Mercedes this season.
The 10 teams have already undergone three days of testing in Barcelona to give their new 2022 cars, which feature higher front wings with higher downforce and a state-of-the-art new design, their first run out on track.
Verstappen and Hamilton were among the fastest runners, with another three days scheduled in Bahrain to give the paddock a better idea of where they stand in terms of pace.
However, Ferrari and McLaren have been able to spend more time developing their car in the wind tunnel and are expected to deliver a challenge to the top two’s dominance in the new era for the sport.
