Max Verstappen extends Red Bull contract until 2020!

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Red Bull Racing has announced that Max Verstappen has agreed an extended contract which will see him continue to race for the Milton Keynes outfit for a further three years.

After a year and four races with Toro Rosso, the Dutch prodigy was promoted to the senior bull outfit, enjoying a dream debut with a win off the bat at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.

"Red Bull has always shown their faith and belief in me with actions; inviting me in to the young driver programme 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," says 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.

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"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."

Doubts about the 20-year-old's future with the team crept in earlier this year following a spell of bad luck and reliability woes.

But today's announcement obviously puts those fears to rest, with Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner eager to deliver a competitive package to the team's drivers next season, having previously also expressed his will to build the squad around Verstappen.

"We are delighted that Max has agreed to extend his contract with Red Bull Racing," says 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.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.