Max Verstappen has hinted at staying with Red Bull beyond 2025, reacting to Sergio Perez’s new contract extension.
Perez, the Mexican driver, signed a two-year deal with the reigning world champions, securing his position at Red Bull until the end of the 2026 season.
This means Verstappen will not reunite with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who had been eyeing Red Bull’s second seat for 2025.
Commenting on Perez’s extension, Verstappen expressed his enthusiasm for continuing their successful partnership.
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“It is great news that Checo has signed with the team until 2026 and I am glad to be able to continue with the successful partnership that we have created over the past few years.
“We achieved a record-breaking season last year and the team is very strong so we are looking forward to building on this success into the next two years as well.”
Verstappen, who is 26, has a £40m-a-year contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season.
Despite rumors linking him to Mercedes due to tensions between Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, these divisions have lessened since the start of the season.
Red Bull dominated last year, winning 21 out of 22 races and securing both world championships for the first time.
Verstappen claimed 19 victories, while Perez won twice.
However, the beginning of this season has been more challenging for Verstappen, with victories from Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris, and Charles Leclerc indicating a more competitive field.
As the Canadian Grand Prix approaches, Verstappen reflected on recent preparations.
“Following a more difficult weekend in Monaco, this week I have been with the team back at the factory and in the sim preparing for the Canadian Grand Prix.
The track there is very unique, has some old school kerbs and there are plenty more opportunities for overtaking.
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It is even more important to have a good set up of the car and find a balance between the straight-line speeds as well as good stability under the braking.
It is always good to be back racing in Montreal; the scene is one of a kind, the atmosphere in the city is great and the fans are very passionate.”
Verstappen, who won last year’s race in Montreal, holds a 31-point lead over Leclerc in the championship standings as they head into round nine this year.