Verstappen acts smart and avoids future salary cap for drivers

Max Verstappen has signed a deal that will keep him at Red Bull Racing through 2028. Not only does this show Verstappen's loyalty to his team, but he also cleverly plays into potential rules.

Budget cap in Formula 1

Big bucks are involved in Formula 1. The teams spend a lot of money on the development of their cars and this is increasingly being curbed. With the budget cap, Formula 1 is trying to bring down the costs of the teams, so that even the smaller teams can stay in the neighbourhood. However, in a number of areas this is not yet the case.

For example, drivers' salaries are not yet covered by the rule and teams can therefore spend as much money as they want on a contract. At least, that is still possible, because in the current budget cap the salaries are not included, but F1 is already looking for a solution to create more equality.

Verstappen and Red Bull think ahead

Even before that rule is implemented, Verstappen has already secured a new contract. Should a rule be introduced in the coming six years whereby a team has to adhere to a limit per driver or a total limit for all drivers, the Dutchman's contract will no longer be negotiable.

A smart move by Verstappen's management, but Red Bull Racing has also done a smart deal with this. While Verstappen can now be offered a high salary, the team also has the security of having one of the best drivers of his generation at its disposal for the next six years. Give Verstappen a good car and you are almost guaranteed a world title. So the new deal is clearly a win-win situation.