Max Verstappen and Horner react to deal announcement

Red Bull

Verstappen and Horner react to deal announcement

They will remain together through 2023.

Martin Macdonald

Wednesday 8 January 2020 09:00

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has expressed his delight that Max Verstappen has signed a new contract with the team until 2023, while the driver reiterated his desire to win a championship with his current team.

The Dutchman’s current deal expired at the conclusion of the 2020 campaign, with speculation circling that he could potentially move to Mercedes if Ferrari if the Red Bull-Honda partnership failed to provide him with car worthy of winning the drivers’ championship.

He appears to be convinced they can, now, however, as it was announced on Tuesday that he has extended his contract by a further two years.

Horner is glad to have retained the team’s “asset”.

“It is fantastic news for the Team to have extended our agreement with Max up-to and including the 2023 season," he tole the official Red Bull site.

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“With the challenge of the 2021 regulation changes on the horizon continuity in as many areas as possible is key.

“Max has proven what an asset he is to the Team, he truly believes in the partnership we have forged with our engine supplier Honda, and we are delighted to have extended our relationship with him.”

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As for Verstappen himself, he came to the decision due to the respect he has for the team that has believed in him since his younger days, and remains determined to bring a title back to Milton Keynes.

“I am really happy to have extended my partnership with the Team. Red Bull believed in me and gave me the opportunity to start in Formula 1 which I have always been very grateful for,” he said.

"Over the years I have grown closer and closer with the Team and besides the passion from everyone and the on-track performance it is also really enjoyable to work with such a great group of people.

“Honda coming onboard and the progress we have made over the last 12 months gives me even more motivation and the belief that we can win together.

“I respect the way Red Bull and Honda work together and from all sides everyone is doing what they can to succeed. I want to win with Red Bull and our goal is of course to fight for a World Championship together.”