Verstappen Reaches Deal Through 2020 with Red Bull Racing

By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief

AUSTIN, Texas – Max Verstappen will remain at Red Bull Racing after the two agreed to a deal that keeps them together through the 2020 Formula One season.

The deal was confirmed prior to opening practice of the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas.

The 20-year-old Dutchman has endured a tough road this season with seven retirements, but hit his stride of late, winning at Malaysia during his birthday weekend and followed it up with a runner-up result in a close fight for the win with Lewis Hamilton in Japan.

“Red Bull has always shown their faith and belief in me with actions; inviting me in to the young driver program 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 with this team,” said Verstappen.

“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.”

Verstapppen won his debut with the team in the Spanish Grand Prix last season following his promotion from Scuderia Toro Rosso. Verstappen was sure to be courted by other teams if he hit the free agent market, which is why Christian Horner, team principal at Red Bull Racing, was so keen to retain his young driver.

“We are delighted that Max has agreed to extend his contract with Red Bull Racing,” said Horner.

“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.

“As we now look to the long term with Max he is in the best place in the sport to build a team around him to deliver our shared ambition.”