Max Verstappen dream revealed before death of Red Bull founder

Max Verstappen has revealed details of a dream he shared with Dietrich Mateschitz before the death of the Red Bull founder.

Mateschitz, the lifeblood of the team and an instrumental figure who lured Verstappen to the Red Bull family when he was 16, maintained a close relationship with the Dutchman before his passing in October 2022.

Seven months earlier, Verstappen had signed one of the longest contracts in F1 history, putting pen to paper on a deal through to the end of the 2028 season, signalling his intention to remain with Red Bull for the rest of his career.

In recent seasons, Verstappen has been heavily linked with a move away, not least due to performance clauses in his contract that have opened a window of opportunity, only to be shut when he has exceeded them.

At this stage, it is Verstappen's firm "intention" to fulfil a pledge he made to Mateschitz many years ago.

"I remember when Dietrich was still alive...I told him my dream - and his dream - was that I would stay here forever, as long as my career lasts," said Verstappen, speaking to The Times.

"I’m very happy that before he passed away, I said that my intention is still to fulfil that dream, and so far that is going quite well."

Verstappen explains vital asset of F1 career

Through thick and thin, and despite the overtures from Mercedes, in particular, it is fair to say that Verstappen has remained loyal to Red Bull.

Even before the first of his four titles in 2021, the 28-year-old could easily have opted to join another team to realise his ambition of becoming a champion earlier.

After his promotion from Toro Rosso to Red Bull early in 2016, Verstappen had to wait five years before standing atop F1.

"It’s a funny one, because I don’t think normally the driver is, let’s say, the stable factor, in terms of people leaving, so I’m proud of that," said Verstappen.

"I stayed loyal to the team for a long time. They know that loyalty, for me, is a very big thing, and that’s not always a given in Formula 1. But that’s how I operate.

"You always try to build the strongest team around you. But when you have a lot of success, it’s normal that people get poached and people leave. That’s how sport works.

"But, for me, you need to feel that you can be yourself in a team. That’s as important, I would say, in my career now after having won already so much, than just going somewhere for performance."