Is Verstappen the perfect driver for Red Bull? "Red Bull exist to win"

That Max Verstappen would extend his contract with Red Bull Racing was no longer a big surprise after his team radio message in Abu Dhabi, when he had just won the world title. He wanted to continue with Red Bull for at least another ten years and he proved it. On Thursday his team announced that he will drive in the Red Bull colours until at least 2028.

According to F1 journalist Lawrence Barretto, it is not strange that Red Bull announced so early that the Dutchman will stay with the team for at least six more years. "Verstappen delivered last year with a title win – and he will know his newfound worth. He’s hot property right now. With Lewis Hamilton coming towards the end of his career, a berth at Mercedes at some point was feasible. Ferrari and McLaren could be options, too," Barretto explains on Formula1.com.

Many sponsors for Verstappen

But that Red Bull of all teams brought in Verstappen is not surprising. "Red Bull exist to win, so the eight years before Verstappen’s title victory last year were painful. They’ve heavily invested in the Dutchman, and took a risk on giving him his F1 debut aged 17 – so they want to reap the reward". All that experience does come with a hefty price tag for Verstappen, but Red Bull has also taken that into account.

A number of major sponsors were recruited last winter. Oracle and Bybit are the two biggest names on the new car and along with the money from Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz, Verstappen's extension was to be expected. "They had the funds to lock in Verstappen for the long-term, ensuring crucial stability," Barretto concluded.