Red Bull is said to have made Max Verstappen a particularly advantageous contract extension offer, intended to secure his long-term future within the team, while reassuring Isack Hadjar.
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According to Bild, the four-time world champion has been offered a new deal running until the end of the 2029 season, one year longer than his current contract.
This proposal would also come with a salary increase. Verstappen, whose base salary is estimated at 65 million euros per year, would benefit from a raise and, above all, a contract no longer including the exit clause that exists today.
The ball is in Verstappen’s court
Still according to the German daily, the Dutch driver and his team have had this offer for several weeks: “Verstappen and his management have had Red Bull’s offer for several weeks. There has been no official response since. The superstar is in a strong position and feels no pressure to decide,” writes Bild.
The newspaper specifies, however, that discussions continue regularly and that both parties wish to continue their collaboration: Mekies primarily wants to make Red Bull victorious again. Second in the Hungarian Grand Prix despite a car he strongly criticized throughout the weekend, Verstappen continues to assert his demands towards Red Bull.
The team’s principal, Laurent Mekies, praised his driver’s ability to achieve a solid result despite his difficulties: “Someone told me: ‘If he is capable of doing that when he is not satisfied with the car’s balance, imagine what he will do when he is.’”
No beating around the bush
The Frenchman recalls that Verstappen has never hesitated to express his feelings: “Max has been very frank, as he always is, but we ultimately found a solution that allowed him to get on the podium.”
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When asked again about the Dutchman’s future, Mekies preferred to refocus the debate on the car’s competitiveness: “We have already talked a lot about this subject. Our goal is to return to a situation where we can win, and as quickly as possible.”
He assures that this ambition is shared by Verstappen: “Max wants that too, and we want to achieve it together. Our only priority is to provide him with the best possible car. That is the only thing that matters to him.”
Hadjar likely to be confirmed
Laurent Mekies also hinted that Isack Hadjar should keep his seat alongside Verstappen next season.
The Frenchman was particularly complimentary towards the young driver, who achieved a solid sixth place in Hungary: “It is excellent news to finally have a second competitive driver, which we had not had for a long time.”
According to Mekies, Hadjar continues to progress rapidly: “Isack is very solid. He learns a lot from the team and from Max. We have not yet discussed the future, but everyone can see that he is doing an excellent job. So we will make a logical decision.”
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