Manager Verstappen: "Future plans Red Bull look very good"

Raymond Vermeulen is very pleased with the contract extension of Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing. The Dutchman is now fixed at the Austrian racing stable until 2028. Vermeulen has had a few talks in recent months, but there were no major points of discussion and so everything is already in place before the start of the season.

"That this would happen is not rocket science. After the world title was won, we had very good, natural conversations. I have been in Austria twice with Helmut Marko and internally Max, Jos and I have also had good discussions. Red Bull's future plans look very good. When I see the fighting spirit within the team, it fits us perfectly," Vermeulen says in a first reaction to The Telegraph.

Immediately after conquering his first world title, the 24-year-old Limburger declared that he would like to stay longer at Red Bull. He even mentioned that he would like to continue racing for fifteen years for the team of Christian Horner and Helmut Marko. With his new commitment, Verstappen is heading towards those fifteen years, as he joined the Milton Keynes-based formation back in 2016.

Confidence in Red Bull is high

This season, new regulations are being introduced in Formula 1. So without having the slightest idea of how competitive Red Bull will be, Verstappen is already signing on. On top of that, Red Bull will be producing its own engines through its own Powertrains project from 2026 onwards and nobody has a clue whether that will be a success. Let it be clear that the confidence in Red Bull is unconditional in Verstappen's camp.

"Formula 1 is now entering a new period. Then it's not crazy at all to look at the long term," Vermeulen tells the Dutch morning newspaper. Even with a lesser start to the season, Vermeulen and Verstappen are not panicking. "The vision goes beyond the next five races. We know exactly what's coming."