Max Verstappen will remain at Red Bull until the end of 2023 after extending his contract for a further three years.
The Dutchman was considered perhaps the biggest prize in the driver market heading into this season with rumours linking him to Mercedes.
However, in a surprisingly early announcement, Max has opted to keep faith in the Red Bull project and noted the promise shown by their new partnership with Honda in 2019.
“I am really happy to have extended my partnership with the team,” he said. “Red Bull believed in me and gave me the opportunity to start in Formula 1 which I have always been very grateful for.
“Over the years I have grown closer and closer with the team and besides the passion from everyone and the on-track performance it is also really enjoyable to work with such a great group of people.
“Honda coming onboard and the progress we have made over the last 12 months gives me even more motivation and the belief that we can win together,” he stated.
“I respect the way Red Bull and Honda work together and from all sides, everyone is doing what they can to succeed. I want to win with Red Bull and our goal is of course to fight for a world championship together.”
The news will also avoid any potential distractions that could have come had his future beyond this season not been resolved and may in fact work in Verstappen’s favour as the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel face that same prospect.
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It is also a big confidence boost for Red Bull given the 22-year-old is very much their lead driver and to have secured his services for three more years delighted team boss Christian Horner.
“It is fantastic news for the team to have extended our agreement with Max upto and including the 2023 season,” he said.
“With the challenge of the 2021 regulation changes on the horizon continuity in as many areas as possible is key. Max has proven what an asset he is to the team, he truly believes in the partnership we have forged with our engine supplier Honda, and we are delighted to have extended our relationship with him.”