Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies quickly shut down two theories about Max Verstappen’s contract extension that were put forward by Nico Rosberg.
Four-time F1 world champion Verstappen signed a new contract with Red Bull until 2030 last week, which will extend the Dutch driver’s partnership with the team to 15 years if he sees out his deal.
Rosberg, the world champion in Verstappen’s debut Red Bull year in 2016, was in conversation with Mekies on the grid at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort when he put the 28-year-old’s extension down to two reasons: a reported $80m-a-year deal and the culture Mekies has installed at the team since taking over from Christian Horner last year.
Yet in response, Mekies said: “So, both statements are not correct. It’s down really to the trust that Max has in the 2,000 people we have in Milton Keynes [Red Bul HQ], chassis side, PU [power unit] side, and he knows what our people are capable of and he has chosen to put his trust in us for the future.
“So, we will try to pay him back for that. He’s much more than just the fastest driver in the world for us and we’ll try to make sure we give him a fast car as soon as possible.”
Verstappen’s future was shrouded in uncertainty given his dissatisfaction with this generation of car, alongside interest from Mercedes and McLaren, but the Dutchman has opted to remain with the only team he’s ever known.
“It’s phenomenal news, for the team of course, but also for us as a sport as a whole,” Mekies added.
Max Verstappen has signed a new contract at Red Bull until 2030 (Getty)“It has been a great few weeks of discussions. From day one, Max said, ‘I want to stay with you guys.’ When we finally concluded everything, I said, ‘Well, I thought you always wanted to stay anyway!’
“Jokes aside, we take the trust he is putting in us very, very seriously. It gives us a huge responsibility in terms of providing him with a package that he will need to fight for wins again.
“But there is nothing that we want more at Red Bull Racing than to come back to the top spot as soon as possible and we know that is also what Max wants.”
Verstappen will be looking to bounce back following his massive first-lap crash at the Dutch Grand Prix at the next round in Monza (6 September).
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