Vettel reportedly extends Red Bull F1 contract through 2016
Sebastian Vettel is reported to have agreed a contract extension with Red Bull Racing, keeping the reigning world champion with the team until the end of the 2016 Formula One season.
Sebastian Vettel has reportedly agreed a contract extension with Red Bull Racing that will keep him at the Milton Keynes-based Formula One team until at least the end of the 2016 season. The news, first published by Austria’s Kleine Zeitung, suggests the reigning world champion has added a further year to his existing deal, with an option for 2016.
Vettel’s previous contract was due to expire at the end of 2014. The new arrangement, if confirmed, would see him remain with Red Bull for at least two more seasons beyond that, extending a partnership that has so far delivered three consecutive world championships. The report claims the extension covers 2015, with an option for 2016, though official confirmation from Red Bull has not been issued.
Red Bull management silent on reports
According to Kleine Zeitung, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is said to have shared news of the contract extension with a small group of insiders during the Australian Grand Prix weekend in Melbourne. However, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko denied knowledge of such an announcement, casting some doubt on the details. The team has not released a public statement regarding Vettel’s contract status.
Implications for the Formula One driver market
If Vettel’s extension is confirmed, it will likely end speculation linking him to rival teams such as Ferrari or Mercedes for the next two seasons. His continued presence at Red Bull provides stability for the team as Formula One enters a new era of technical regulations and engine suppliers. With Mark Webber’s future uncertain at the time, Red Bull’s move to secure Vettel’s services underlines the team’s commitment to continuity at the top.
- Vettel joined Red Bull’s F1 team in 2009.
- He won his first world championship with Red Bull in 2010.
- The team secured both drivers’ and constructors’ titles in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
No official confirmation from Red Bull
As of mid-March 2013, Red Bull Racing had not issued an official press release confirming the reported contract extension. The lack of public comment from either the team or Vettel himself means the details remain unverified. Should the extension be formally announced, it would reinforce Red Bull’s position as the team to beat, with Vettel at the centre of its ambitions for continued success in Formula One.
