Max Verstappen has signed a multi-year contract extension with Red Bull Racing, ending long-standing speculation about his future in Formula 1. The four-time F1 world champion’s contract already ran until 2028, albeit with performance-related clauses. The new deal will see him stay with Red Bull Racing until at least the end of the 2030 season.
“I am really pleased with the contract extension. We have the best people, and I’m excited to keep working together with everyone to get back to the top again. This remains the ultimate goal that all of us have been working towards and will continue to pursue,” Verstappen said.
- Verstappen extends Red Bull contract by two years
- Dutchman has won 4 F1 drivers’ titles and 71 races with the team so far
The Verstappen-Red Bull partnership has been one of the most successful in F1 history. Verstappen first joined the team back in 2016, following a mid-season promotion from the sister Toro Rosso team. Since then, he’s won four drivers’ titles and 71 races with Red Bull Racing.
However, Verstappen has been a vocal critic of the new power unit regulations. Red Bull has also had its fair share of reliability and balance concerns this season, and the team’s management has changed significantly in recent months. All of this has further fuelled speculation linking Verstappen to a potential switch to Mercedes or McLaren. But he’s put that speculation to rest on the eve of his home race at Zandvoort.
“I have always said it: The team [Red Bull Racing] is like a second family for me, and I feel very at home. I came to the team hoping to be able to win races. What we went on to achieve together has been simply lovely, and we have shared many incredible moments and won four World Championships. To continue this journey with the same team that I have been with my whole career is really special and something I have always wanted to do,” Verstappen stated.
“Getting to work with Laurent [Mekies] now for over a year has also been great; I see a clear vision he has for the team. Everyone in Milton Keynes believes in what we are building, and I am looking forward to the next chapter, fighting for more victories and competing for championships as we continue to shape the future of this Team. To make this announcement during the last Grand Prix at Zandvoort is a great moment for me as well. Hopefully, we can give the fans a special send-off for the final race.”
Red Bull Racing F1 team principal Laurent Mekies added, “Having Max continue with us and retaining the best driver on the grid is fantastic news for everyone at Red Bull, Oracle Red Bull Racing, as well as F1 and motorsport as a whole.”
