Verstappen's rivals react to new Red Bull deal: 'You never really know with Max'

It was announced on Thursday morning that the four-time world champion had signed a new contract with Red Bull until 2030. It takes Verstappen into what would be his 15th year with the team - breaking Lewis Hamilton's record of 12 years at Mercedes.

Speaking in Thursday's press conference, George Russell said that although Verstappen has competed in endurance racing this year, F1 is still the pinnacle of motorsport and that he was not surprised to see the Dutchman commit his future.

He said: "This is the top of all motorsport. And I think everything else is fun to dabble into and try, and it gives you an appreciation for those championships, but then it also gives you an appreciation of the greatness of Formula 1. And you can't really get this thrill of competing against the best drivers, best teams in the world, we're at the best circuits with the best fans, anywhere else. So, yeah, not majorly surprised."

Audi driver Nico Hulkenberg added: "No, I'm not surprised. I think ultimately he loves racing, he loves the competition, you know, and it's still the pinnacle of motorsport, of racing. You know, and obviously he does all the other things that he's doing that he loves, but this is, I guess, the main gig. So, no, not surprised."

McLaren driver Norris also expected Verstappen to stay in Formula 1, but did add that there is always a doubt when it comes to the four-time world champion.

Norris, coming off his win in Hungary said: "At the end of the day, you never really know with Max, but I think he wants to prove that he's, you know, for as long as he's racing, that he's the best driver in the world. And I think there's no other place to do that bar Formula 1."