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Verstappen's manager on Red Bull: 'There is no politics at this team'
Max Verstappen is happy with Red Bull Racing, and Red Bull Racing are happy with Max Verstappen. It is the perfect marriage. However, in the first years of Verstappen's time at the Austrian racing stable, not everything went smoothly as it does now. Even though that was the case, the now two-time World Champion extended his contract at Red Bull until 2028. According to Raymond Vermeulen, there was never any discussion about that either.
"No, no," says Verstappen's manager in an interview with Formule1.nl. According to Vermeulen, you can see the drive in everything, whether you are at the race team's factory or at Red Bull's can factory. "At this team, there is no politics. They want one thing: to win. And with the Verstappens, that happens to be what it's all about. So that fit is there. But Red Bull has to have the tools to do it."
Red Bull built their own engine
That is also why Red Bull has started its own Powertrains project, Vermeulen argues. From 2026, the engine rules will change, and the Milton Keynes-based racing stable will then start to develop its own engines. Red Bull will take charge of the combustion engine, while it will get help from US partner Ford for the electric part of the engine.
"That is, of course, a statement to the outside world. Like, hello, guys, we are here to win. And so now they are just building their own engine. Yes, what are we talking about? If an energy drink brand starts building its own engine, I think that is a statement. And then if a deal like the one with Porsche doesn't go through, it's just: listen, guys, we have a vision at Red Bull. We believe in it and stay close to that idea," Vermeulen said.
Verstappen at Red Bull until 2028
For the Verstappen camp, it was a clear signal that they are in the perfect place at Red Bull for the next few years. If the Austrians do anything, it is with full conviction, and that is also how Verstappen is in the race. Keep improving, not settling for current success, but always looking forward: what can and should be improved towards the future.
Until 2025, the regulations remain roughly the same, and so Verstappen has a great chance with Red Bull to fight for world titles in the coming seasons, especially given the RB19's current lead in the field. The 25-year-old Dutchman's early decision to remain loyal to Red Bull is now paying off handsomely.