Verstappen commits to another three years with Red Bull

Red Bull have announced that Max Verstappen, who enjoyed a dream debut with the team in 2016, winning his first Grand Prix and re-writing Formula One’s record books, has agreed an extended contract which will see him continue to race for the Austrian-owned squad for a further three years.

The 20-year-old Dutchman, who lit up the sport on becoming F1’s youngest ever race winner at the Spanish Grand Prix last year, has extended his commitment to Red Bull Racing through the 2020 season.

“Red Bull has always shown their faith and belief in me with actions; inviting me in to the young driver programme as a 16-year-old, then giving me my start in Formula One when I was just 17, and then the opportunity to race with Red Bull Racing where I had such a dream start with this team,” said Verstappen, who won his second Grand Prix in Malaysia earlier this month.

“They have always backed me and my ambition and I know we share that ambition. Their support, from the guys and girls in the factory through to the crew in the garage, no matter what plays out on the race track, has always been 100 percent. We’ve also had some fun times! I’m very happy to commit further to Red Bull Racing and I’m looking forward to working together to enjoy more success in the years to come.”

Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing Team Principal added: “We are delighted that Max has agreed to extend his contract with Red Bull Racing. We had a phenomenal start together in Spain last year and Max has only pushed on from there. It was a great moment for the whole team to see him put the frustrations of this season behind him in taking that fantastic victory in Malaysia last month. He is pure racer, with an undeniable talent at the wheel and a rare instinct for what it takes to compete consistently at this level.

“Coupled with a committed work ethic and a mature approach to learning his craft that belies his years, Max is right to be hungry for success and we are looking forward to extending that journey with him in our hunt for Formula One World Championships. As we now look to the long term with Max he is in the best place in the sport to build a team around him to deliver our shared ambition.”

Verstappen is expected to again partner Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull next year in what will be their second full season as team mates.