Red Bull vow to retain Max Verstappen "for many years to come"

Max Verstappen

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Red Bull vow to retain Verstappen "for many years to come"

Dutchman is currently contracted through to the end of 2023

Ian Parkes

Friday 17 December 2021 12:19

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has vowed to retain Max Verstappen "for many years to come" in the wake of the Dutch driver winning his first F1 title.

Verstappen collected the drivers' championship trophy at the FIA Gala prize-giving ceremony in Paris on Tuesday following a titanic season-long struggle with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes.

The 24-year-old is currently contracted to Red Bull for another two years through to the end of 2023 and would be hot property for any team should he become available.

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After clinching his success on Sunday in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen asked if he could remain with Red Bull "for another 10 to 15 years".

Speaking at the Gala, Horner is happy to oblige. When asked how long he expected to keep Verstappen, he initially quipped: "He said for 15 years. I have the paperwork with me and it should be very straightforward!"

Horner then added: "Relationships are not about contracts, it's about relationships, and Max came into the team almost a boy and he has grown into a young man and with the team.

"The relationship we share, the trust we share in each other is worth more than any piece of paper.

"I look forward to racing with Max for many years to come and I believe the best years are very much still to come."

Verstappen has "fun" with Red Bull

Verstappen had no qualms in reiterating his comment that he wants to remain with Red Bull for as long as possible, explaining the team is more than just about going racing.

"It does feel like family," remarked Verstappen. "I think you heard over the radio on my in-lap, asking if I could stay for another 10 to 15 years.

"I am very happy where I am. I can be myself which is really important.

"It's not only purely about Formula 1, we can have fun, can have a good laugh, which is also important.

"It's not only about performance but you also need to enjoy what you're doing."