Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Max Verstappen has revealed the long-standing dream he once shared with Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, reaffirming his intention to remain with the team for the remainder of his Formula 1 career. The Dutch driver said the commitment was made before Mateschitz passed away in October 2022.
The relationship between Verstappen and Mateschitz dates back to the early stages of the Dutchman’s career when he joined the Red Bull driver programme at the age of 16. Through the development structure that included Red Bull Racing and its junior team Scuderia Toro Rosso, Verstappen’s rise to the top tier of Formula 1 was supported by senior figures such as Helmut Marko and team principal Christian Horner.
In early 2022, Verstappen signed one of the longest contracts in modern Formula 1, committing his future to Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season. The deal reinforced his long-term intention to remain within the Milton Keynes-based organisation, which also worked closely with power unit partner Honda. Despite recurring speculation about performance clauses in the agreement, Verstappen has continued to underline his loyalty to the team.
“I remember when Dietrich was still alive. I told him my dream — and his dream — was that I would stay here forever, as long as my career lasts,” Verstappen told The Times.
“I’m very happy that before he passed away, I said that my intention is still to fulfil that dream, and so far that is going quite well.”
Verstappen further highlighted that loyalty has played a central role in his Formula 1 journey. The Dutchman is considered one of the rare modern drivers to remain closely tied to one organisation for an extended period, even before securing his first world championship title in 2021 after his promotion from Toro Rosso to Red Bull in 2016.
“It’s a funny one, because normally the driver is not the stable factor in a team when people leave,” Verstappen explained.
“I stayed loyal to the team for a long time. Loyalty is very important for me, and that’s not always a given in Formula 1. That’s just how I operate.”
With his contract running through 2028, Verstappen’s continued presence at Red Bull remains a defining factor in the competitive landscape of Formula 1. As the championship evolves with new technical and regulatory cycles, the Dutch driver’s long-term commitment could continue shaping the team’s strategy and championship ambitions in the coming seasons.
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