Gabriel Bortoleto expressed significant excitement at the news on this Thursday (the 20th) about Max Verstappen’s renewal with Red Bull through the 2030 Formula 1 season.
The Dutch driver’s stay with the Austrian team had been in question due to the poor performance this year. However, despite rumors involving Mercedes and McLaren, everything was settled with a contract extension for a few more years – the current deal was set to run through the end of 2028.
Thus, during the media day in Zandvoort ahead of the start of the weekend of the Dutch GP, the Audi driver from Brazil praised the news about his four-time world champion friend’s renewal. “It’s incredible. I’m happy to know that he’s going to stay. There were all the rumors that perhaps he might be leaving and all that, but I’m very happy,” he said.
“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 congratulate Verstappen in person, Bortoleto stated that “no, not yet. I saw in the car now, literally coming here, that he renewed.”
