By Dorcas Francis Koji
Four time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has put an end to speculation over his future by signing a new contract with Red Bull that will keep him with the team until the end of the 2030 season.
The 28-year-old Dutch driver had been strongly linked with potential moves to Mercedes and McLaren, particularly because his previous contract, which was due to expire in 2028, contained clauses that could have allowed him to leave after the current season.
However, the new agreement removes those exit options and secures Verstappen’s long-term future with Red Bull.
Verstappen said his strong relationship with the team was a major factor behind his decision to remain with the Austrian outfit.
“I have always said it: the team is like a second family for me,” Verstappen said.
“To continue this journey with the same team that I have been with my whole career is really special.”
His decision comes at a challenging period for Red Bull following the introduction of new Formula 1 regulations this season.
The team has struggled to match its previous dominance, with Verstappen’s best results so far coming through second-place finishes in Austria and Hungary.
Despite the difficulties, Verstappen remains committed to the project and believes the team can return to championship-winning form.
The Dutchman narrowly missed out on the 2025 world title to McLaren’s Lando Norris after producing a remarkable late-season fightback from a 100-point deficit.
Verstappen also expressed confidence in Red Bull’s current leadership under team principal Laurent Mekies, who replaced Christian Horner in July 2025.
The four-time champion also acknowledged the impending departure of his long-time race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, who is expected to join McLaren by 2028.
Despite the changes within the team, Verstappen said there was strong belief in Red Bull’s long-term plans at its Milton Keynes base.
“Everyone in Milton Keynes believes in what we are building,” he said.
“I am looking forward to fighting for more victories and championships.”
The new deal ensures Verstappen will remain a Red Bull driver through the end of the 2030 season, potentially extending his association with the team to more than a decade and a half.
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