Max Verstappen cements his future with Red Bull F1

Ending months, if not years, of speculation Max Verstappen cemented his future with Red Bull Racing.

Days before the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen and the team announced a new contract, one set to keep Verstappen with Red Bull through 2030. The news puts to rest countless stories about Verstappen’s future, stories that included thoughts of a shocking move to a rival team, or even Verstappen stepping away from the sport itself.

“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,” said Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies.

”Very few partnerships in sport achieve what Max and this Team have. Since the very beginning, Max has embodied everything that makes Oracle Red Bull Racing special: uncompromising competitiveness, relentless determination and the courage to challenge convention. His impact on our Team and on Red Bull’s motorsport story has been transformational, and he has been fundamental to everything we have accomplished together,” continued the Red Bull boss.

“The decision to continue our journey together is rooted in the trust Max and the Team have built over many years, as well as Max’s confidence in our people, our culture and our vision for the future. Forged through championship-winning success, intense battles and challenging moments alike, this relationship has only grown stronger – making it one of Formula One’s greatest success stories.

“But we are not done yet. There are more races to win, more milestones to achieve and more history to write. Together, we continue to raise the bar with the same determination that brought us to the top of the sport and an even greater faith in what we can achieve. Much will evolve as we move forward, but our ambition remains unchanged - united by one direction, one vision, one Team.”

During his time at Red Bull, Verstappen has secured four Drivers’ World Championships, helped the team win two Constructors’ World Championships, and delivered 71 Grand Prix victories.

Verstappen said he was “pleased” with the extension.

“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. I want to thank Red Bull, Laurent and everyone at Oracle Red Bull Racing for the trust they put in me,” said Verstappen.

Verstappen also hailed the vision at Red Bull, and made note of the announcement coming during the final Dutch Grand Prix.

”I have always said it: The Team 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,” continued Verstappen.

“Getting to work with Laurent 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.”

Verstappen’s future was the source of many stories in the F1 space, with writers, analysts, and fans wondering if he would leave the team due to Red Bull’s recent struggles. In addition, his frustration with the new regulations implemented for 2026 added fuel to that speculation, with some wondering if he would simply step away from the sport itself.

But he has always been clear about his love for Red Bull, and in the end, that relationship won out.