"Can we do this for another 10, 15 years together?": When an emotional Max Verstappen pledged his loyalty to Red Bull after winning the 2021 F1 title
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen had previously pledged his loyalty to the Austrian team at the end of the 2021 season after he won his first world championship on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It was an enthralling season from start to finish, as the Dutch driver and his rival Lewis Hamilton battled each other from Lap 1 to the last lap of the 2021 season.
Both title protagonists headed into the season finale level on points but it was the Dutch driver who ultimately came on top under controversial circumstances. However, after crossing the jacket flag to take his first championship, Verstappen was unable to control his emotions and shouted in delight on his team radio.
During his celebrations on the team radio, the world champion made his intentions about continuing with Red Bull clear and said:
"It is unbelievable guys. Can we do this for another 10, 15 years together?"
Max Verstappen did well on his promise. After the race at the Yas Marina Circuit, he went to sign a contract extension with the Austrian team that would see him stay with them until the end of the 2028 season.
After his triumph in Abu Dhabi in 2021, Verstappen went on to win the championship in three successive seasons to become only the sixth F1 driver to win four titles.
Max Verstappen reflected on being "relieved" after winning his fourth title
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen stated that he was relieved after he won his 4th consecutive title during the Las Vegas Grand Prix and was proud of the Austrian team's efforts in helping him achieve that feat.
Speaking with F1.com, the 27-year-old did not have the fastest car for the majority of the season and hung on to hold off the challenge from McLaren driver Lando Norris. He said:
“It’s been a long season and of course, we started off amazing, it was almost like cruising, but then we had a tough run. But as a team, we kept it together, we kept working on improvements and we pulled off the win. Incredibly proud of everyone, and what they have done for me... So at the moment, I’m just feeling very relieved, in a way, but also proud.
“For sure it was a very challenging season. I think also as a person, at times it’s very challenging. I had to be calm. I think in a way, of course, I still prefer last season; I enjoyed it a lot, but I think this season, definitely again taught me a lot of lessons. I’m very proud of how we handled it also as a team. So in a way of course that makes it also very, very special, and a beautiful season.”
Max Verstappen, ultimately, finished the 2024 season with nine race wins and 437 points to his name and had a gap of 63 points to Norris after 24 races.