MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 15: 2021 F1 World Drivers Champion Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing talks to the media at Red Bull Racing Factory on December 15, 2021 in Milton Keynes, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Defending Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has extended his contract till 2028
Max Verstappen joined Red Bull in 2016. His previous contract runs till 2023 but both parties were keen to continue their association with each other. The new contract will see Verstappen earn US$ 53.3 million a year making him the joint highest-paid F1 driver on par with Lewis Hamilton. Both Verstappen and Red Bull boss, Christian Horner sounded very happy with the contract extension.
Speaking on the new contract, Verstappen said, “I really enjoy being part of Red Bull racing, so choosing to stay till the 2028 season was an easy decision.” The 24-year old further added, “I love this team and last year was simply incredible. Our goal since we came together in 2016 was to win the Championship and we have done that, so it’s now about keeping the number one on the car long-term.”
Meanwhile, the Red Bull boss is very happy to have secured the services of the driver for five more years. Horner said, “To have Max signed with Red Bull through to ’28 is a real statement of intent. Our immediate focus is on retaining Max’s world championship title but the deal also shows he is part of the team’s long term planning.”
Max Verstappen won the 2021 championship in the final lap of the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. There is severe controversy regarding the manner of the win and many fans feel Lewis Hamilton was hard done by former race director, Michael Masi. Masi has been sacked and we are now going into the new season with Hamilton looking for redemption. Without a shade of doubt, the biggest barrier in Verstappen’s way will be the 37-year old Hamilton.
Red Bull were impressive in the first pre-season running in Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona. However, they were outdone by three other teams – Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren all ranked above Red Bull on mileage stakes. The Red Bull team has work to do going ahead to Bahrain if they are to play an important part in Verstappen defending the title. On paper, it’s hard to find any other driver who could challenge Verstappen or Hamilton for the Drivers’ Championship title.
We are just about 2 weeks away before the lights go out in the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 20 and we definitely can’t wait for the Hamilton-Verstappen rivalry to resume!
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