Marko on new Verstappen contract: 'Deal of the century'

After conquering his first world title, Max Verstappen 's contract extension with Red Bull accelerated and last week he signed it. With his new contract, Verstappen is at once the highest earning Dutch athlete of all time. A good deal for Verstappen.

Verstappen happy, Red Bull certainly happy. The Austrian team is reportedly paying Verstappen over 40 million euros a year, but keeping the superstar on board. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who along with Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz, conducted the negotiations with the Verstappen camp calls it the "deal of the century.

To the German newspaper Bild he says: "I will not speculate on figures. I can only say that both parties are and will be satisfied. The duration of the contract indicates how much we value Max. Normally Red Bull doesn't close deals for that long."

Not only are such long deals unusual, so is the huge salary. Marko was never in favor of rewarding drivers so exceptionally. But it wasn't just the salary that made Verstappen decide to re-sign. The battle between Mercedes and Red Bull further strengthened the bond between his team and Verstappen. With this contract, both parties show each other respect. "It's no secret that character at Red Bull is a quality that is hugely important," Marko confirmed.