'We want to make sure we have the best driver in that car'

Red Bull took a gamble with Verstappen in 2015 by allowing the youngest driver ever to debut in Formula One. However, it turned out not to be a gamble, but a masterstroke. The young driver won his first race in 2016 for Red Bull Racing and won the world title in 2021. Now Verstappen has repaid that confidence in him with a long-term contract.

The best driver in Formula 1

''Max has signed with Oracle Red Bull Racing until the end of 2028 and that is a clear statement of intent. Our immediate focus is on retaining Max's world title, but this deal also demonstrates that he is part of the team's long-term planning. As the Red Bull Powertrains department works on the new engine regulations for 2026, we wanted to make sure we had the best driver on the grid for that car,'' Horner revealed in the press release.

With a six-year deal through 2028, Red Bull is ensuring that they have secured perhaps the greatest talent of this generation through to age 31. This means that the competition has no chance of snatching the Dutchman away.