Max Verstappen has finally put the rumours to bed. The four-time Formula 1 world champion has signed a new Red Bull contract that will keep him with the team until at least 2030.
The deal ends months of uncertainty over his future. It also removes one of the biggest pieces from the F1 driver market after Verstappen was linked with Mercedes, McLaren and Aston Martin.
Verstappen’s previous contract ran until 2028. However, performance clauses had opened a possible route out in 2027, while talks with McLaren had added more fuel to the speculation.
Now, the Dutchman has chosen to stay where his F1 story began to take shape. “I am really pleased with the contract extension,” Verstappen said.
“We have the best people and I’m excited to keep working together with everyone to get back to the top again.”
That final part matters. Red Bull have not enjoyed the same dominance that carried Verstappen to four straight titles from 2021 to 2024.
The team struggled early this season, while Verstappen has yet to win a race. He is currently sixth in the Drivers’ Championship, 110 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli.
Yet Red Bull have improved as the season has moved on. That progress appears to have convinced Verstappen that the team can return to championship contention.
For Verstappen, the relationship runs deeper than results. He joined Red Bull in 2016 and won his first race for the team at the Spanish Grand Prix that same year.
Since then, he has collected 71 Grand Prix victories and four world titles. “The team is like a second family for me and I feel very at home,” he added.
The timing of the announcement is also significant. Verstappen’s new deal arrives at his home race in Zandvoort, giving Dutch fans another reason to celebrate.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies welcomed the news. “Having Max continue with us and retaining the best driver on the grid is fantastic news,” he said.
The decision also closes the door on a dramatic 2027 driver market. Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull now appear set to keep their current leading drivers.
For Red Bull, the message is simple. Verstappen believes there is more history to write in Milton Keynes.
And after years of speculation, the biggest question in the paddock finally has an answer: Max is staying.
