Max Verstappen’s F1 colleagues are not surprised that the Dutchman extended his contract with Red Bull on Thursday. After much speculation about his future in Formula 1, Verstappen announced ahead of the Dutch GP that he will remain with the Austrian team until the end of 2030. Among others, George Russell and Lando Norris explain that the four-time world champion can only truly satisfy his hunger in the pinnacle class.
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During the official FIA press conference, several drivers were asked about Verstappen’s contract extension. “I am not surprised,” responded Audi driver Nico Hülkenberg. “I think he simply loves racing and competition. Ultimately, Formula 1 is still the pinnacle of motorsport. Of course, he is also involved in other things,” the German referred to Verstappen’s GT3 adventures. “But in my opinion, Formula 1 is still his main focus.”
Unique thrill of Formula 1
George Russell agreed. “As Nico (Hülkenberg, ed.) said: this is the absolute top. It’s fun to try other disciplines; that creates appreciation for those championships, but also for the greatness of Formula 1. Only here do you get the thrill of racing against the best drivers, the best teams, on the best circuits, and with the best fans. You don’t get that anywhere else. So yes, it doesn’t surprise me.”
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“You never really know with Max (Verstappen, ed.),” Lando Norris added with a laugh. “But at the same time, I think he wants to prove that as long as he races, he is the best driver in the world. And there is no better place to do that than in Formula 1.”
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Read everything about the Dutch GP in Zandvoort here
