Gabriel Bortoleto showed a lot of excitement with the news this Thursday (20) about Max Verstappen’s renewal with Red Bull until the 2030 Formula 1 season.
Read more F1: Verstappen praises renewal and says Red Bull is «a second family»
The Dutchman’s stay with the Austrian team had been questioned due to the poor performance this year. However, even after rumors involving Mercedes and McLaren, everything was put to an end with a contract extension for a few more years – the current agreement was until the end of 2028.
Therefore, during the media day in Zandvoort before the start of the F1 Dutch GP weekend, the Audi Brazilian praised the news of his four-time world champion friend. “It’s amazing. I’m happy to know he’s staying. There were all the rumors that maybe he was leaving and everything else, but I’m very happy,” he said.
Read more F1: Red Bull announces contract extension for Verstappen until 2030
“And also for the sport, it’s great. When the four-time world champion stays, it’s always a good thing. It’s entertainment for everyone. It’s a good race and fun,” he continued.
Asked if he had already been able to personally congratulate Verstappen, Bortoleto said, “No, not yet. I saw on the car just now, literally coming here, that he renewed.”
Read more Dutch GP 2026: the days and times of F1 in Zandvoort
