Verstappen's manager: 'We know exactly what is coming'

40

Max Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen says the Red Bull driver's new long-term contract with the Milton Keynes-based outfit is a logical next step for team and driver.

Red Bull announced on Thursday that Verstappen's original deal with the team which ran until the end of 2023 as been extended by an additional five years, or until the end of 2028.

The landmark deal is also rumored to be worth an estimated $50 million a year for the reigning world champion, an annual retainer that would make Verstappen the highest paid driver in the history of F1.

But beyond the mammoth monetary value of the new deal, Vermeulen insists the extended partnership reflects first and foremost the Verstappen camp's confidence in Red Bull's ability to remain at the top of F1's pyramid in the coming years.

"Red Bull's plans for the future look very good," Vermeulen told DeTelegraaf. "When I see the fighting spirit within the team, it suits us perfectly.

"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.

"We know exactly what is coming and who is in. The team occupies the top positions, so the situation feels extremely good."

Verstappen was hailed by Red Bull as an outstanding talent during his formative years in motorsport after a successful stint in the ranks of karting.

Official: Verstappen commits to Red Bull until 2028!

The energy drink company backed his promotion to F1 with Toro Rosso in 2015 and then his move to Red Bull a year later, with Verstappen winning his first race, and his maiden Grand Prix, with the team in Spain.

Since, the 24-year-old's talent has matured and grown. But Vermeulen warns that Max is just getting started.

"We must not forget that Red Bull offered Max an F1 contract at the age of 16 and has prepared him well," added Vermeulen.

"Of course, there were negotiations, but how it went in the end couldn't have been better.

"I think the uptrend isn't over yet. Max is still growing.

"We haven't seen the best of him yet."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.