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Official: Verstappen commits to Red Bull until 2028!

Max Verstappen and Red Bull will remain united until the end of the 2028 season after the two parties agreed on a five-year extension to the Dutchman's current contract with his team

The new seven-year deal which Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has called "a real statement of intent" is believed to be the longest contract ever signed by a team and a driver in F1.

"To have Max signed with Oracle Red Bull Racing through to the end of 2028 is a real statement of intent," said Horner.

"Our immediate focus is on retaining Max’s World Championship title, but this deal also shows he is a part of the Team’s long-term planning.

"With the Red Bull Powertrains division working towards the new engine regulations for 2026 we wanted to make sure we had the best driver on the grid secured for that car."

Verstappen's extended lease at Milton Keynes was expected following his triumph in F1's title decider in Abu Dhabi last season.

After conquering the world crown, the 24-year-old joked that he wished to remain with the Red Bull family "for the rest of my life".

Thanks to his new contract, he may have taken another step into turning that wish into reality.

Read also - Marko: Verstappen shares one big quality with Senna and Schumacher

"I really enjoy being part of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Team, so choosing to stay to the 2028 season was an easy decision," commented the reigning world champion.

"I love this Team and last year was simply incredible, our goal since we came together in 2016 was to win the championship and we have done that, so now it’s about keeping the number one on the car long-term."

While emphasis is on the duration of Verstappen's allegiance to Red Bull, it is believed that the twenty-time Grand Prix winner has also secured a mammoth annual retainer worth an estimated $50 million.

The big number would put Verstappen in a league of his own among F1's top earners, and above Mercedes driver and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

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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.