Verstappen extends contract at Red Bull to 2020

Max Verstappen has signed a contract extension with Red Bull that will keep him at the team until the end of the 2020 season.

The 20-year-old has been linked with moves to Ferrari and Mercedes, with his previous deal having been set to expire in two years. While there is uncertainty about Red Bull's power unit supply beyond next season when its Renault contract ends, the team has managed to conclude an extended contract for Verstappen that sees him staying with the team for the next three years.

"Red Bull has always shown their faith and belief in me with actions; inviting me in to the young driver program as a 16-year-old, then giving me my start in Formula 1 when I was just 17, and then the opportunity to race with Red Bull Racing where I had such a dream start with this team," Verstappen said. "They have always backed me and my ambition and I know we share that ambition.

"Their support, from the guys and girls in the factory through to the crew in the garage, no matter what plays out on the racetrack, has always been 100 percent. We've also had some fun times! I'm very happy to commit further to Red Bull Racing and I'm looking forward to working together to enjoy more success in the years to come."

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With Verstappen having taken two wins so far in his career, team principal Christian Horner sees the Dutchman as ready to lead Red Bull in its challenge for championships.

"We are delighted that Max has agreed to extend his contract with Red Bull Racing," Horner said. "We had a phenomenal start together in Spain last year and Max has only pushed on from there. It was a great moment for the whole team to see him put the frustrations of this season behind him in taking that fantastic victory in Malaysia last month.

"He is pure racer, with an undeniable talent at the wheel and a rare instinct for what it takes to compete consistently at this level. Coupled with a committed work ethic and a mature approach to learning his craft that belies his years, Max is right to be hungry for success and we are looking forward to extending that journey with him in our hunt for Formula 1 world championships. As we now look to the long term with Max, he is in the best place in the sport to build a team around him to deliver our shared ambition."

Verstappen's teammate Daniel Ricciardo is out of contract at the end of 2018 and has yet to sign a new deal.