Max Verstappen signs extension with Red Bull F1 to 2020
Red Bull F1 driver Max Verstappen has signed a contract extension with the team until 2020.
The highly rated 20 year old has signed a deal that looks set to quell speculation about a move. The Dutchman had been on a deal to run until 2019, but contained clauses that could’ve allowed him to leave at the end of the current campaign.
Verstappen joined Red Bull as a junior in 2014 before making the full jump to Formula One in 2015 with Toro Rosso, finishing fourth in two races during his first F1 season.
The driver was promoted to the full Red Bull set up in May 2016, and had a sensational win in the Spanish Grand Prix in his first full Formula One race.
Verstappen spoke of his delight to sign the new deal, and is looking for more success with his team.
He said, “Red Bull has always shown their faith and belief in me with actions; inviting me in to the young driver programme as a 16-year-old, then giving me my start in Formula One when I was just 17, and then the opportunity to race with Red Bull Racing where I had such a dream start.
“They have always backed me and my ambition and I know we share that ambition. Their support, from the guys and girls in the factory through to the crew in the garage, no matter what plays out on the race track, has always been 100 per cent. We’ve also had some fun times! I’m very happy to commit further to Red Bull Racing and I’m looking forward to working together to enjoy more success in the years to come.”
Ahead of this weekend’s US Grand Prix, Verstappen has picked up back-to-back podium finishes, including a race win in Malaysia.
Team Principal Christian Horner also spoke of his delight that his driver has chosen to extend his spell with the Tillbrook-based F1 team.
He said, “We are delighted that Max has agreed to extend his contract with Red Bull Racing. We had a phenomenal start together in Spain last year and Max has only pushed on from there. It was a great moment for the whole team to see him put the frustrations of this season behind him in taking that fantastic victory in Malaysia last month.
“He is pure racer, with an undeniable talent at the wheel and a rare instinct for what it takes to compete consistently at this level. Coupled with a committed work ethic and a mature approach to learning his craft that belies his years, Max is right to be hungry for success and we are looking forward to extending that journey with him in our hunt for Formula One World Championships.”