Raymond Vermeulen, manager of Max Verstappen, is extremely pleased with his client’s current situation at Red Bull after the Dutchman signed a new contract that keeps him at the team until the end of 2028.
In one of the most lucrative deals in Formula 1 history, Verstappen signed a five-year extension reportedly worth $250 million after the completion of his current deal at the end of 2023.
It comes after the 24-year-old sealed his first-ever championship in dramatic fashion at last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and Vermeulen revels in a lengthy stay at the team that has proven the perfect fit for the Dutchman’s ambitions.
“Red Bull’s plans for the future look very good. When I see the fighting spirit within the team, it suits us perfectly,” he told de Telegraaf.
Formula 1 has changed its technical regulations massively in a bid to improve the racing spectacle, and Red Bull will be making their own powertrains from 2026 after their deal with Honda expires.
The Dutchman recognises the paradigm shift taking place in the pinnacle of motorsport, and maintains that the Milton Keynes side are more than ready for it.
“Formula 1 is entering a new period, it is not crazy to think about the long term. Red Bull’s vision goes further than the first races of the coming season,” he affirmed.
“We know exactly what is coming and who is in. The team occupy the top positions. The situation feels extremely happy.”
Verstappen signed his first Red Bull contract at the age of 16, and partook in his first practise session with Toro Rosso at the Japanese Grand Prix in 2014 before his arrival at Red Bull in 2016.
He won on his debut at the Spanish Grand Prix, and has since claimed 19 more en route to his maiden title success last year.
In many ways, Red Bull have been preparing the young Dutchman for his time in the spotlight for years and having grown from a boy to a man in Christian Horner’s team, Vermeulen confirms that contract negotiations were smooth.
“We must also not forget that Red Bull has offered Max an F1 contract at the age of 16 and has prepared him well,” he added.
“Of course, there have been discussions, but how it went, in the end, couldn’t have been better.”
Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko has recently suggested that the 24-year-old will only get better, and his manager agrees with this sentiment.
“I think the curve is not over yet. Max is still in a moment of growth. We have not seen the best of him yet,” he stated.
Verstappen is set to defend his championship this upcoming season, which kicks off on 20 March in Bahrain.