Four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has ended speculation over his future by signing a contract extension with Red Bull until 2030.
The 28-year-old Dutch driver was already committed to the team until the end of 2028, with the new agreement extending his stay by two additional years in what could be the final contract of his Formula One career. Official confirmation of the deal is expected ahead of his home race in the Netherlands this weekend.
The commitment follows two years of conjecture during which Verstappen was linked with a move to Mercedes and held discussions with rival teams. A couple of months ago, Verstappen held talks with Zak Brown, the team principal of reigning champions McLaren, over a sensational switch across the grid.
Salary negotiations and compromise
The decision to remain with Red Bull came after a period of contract negotiations that at times became fractious. Representatives for Verstappen were seeking an increased salary, while Red Bull executives were initially unwilling to improve upon his existing £60million-a-year package. Executives and driver representatives eventually reached a compromise to keep their star asset.
Verstappen joined Red Bull as a teenager and has achieved phenomenal success with the team, securing four consecutive drivers' world championships. Red Bull Racing has established itself as one of the dominant forces in Formula One motorsport, providing Verstappen with the machinery to build one of the most successful driver-team partnerships in the history of the sport.
Verstappen on his future
Speaking via Oracle Red Bull Racing's official website, Verstappen expressed his satisfaction at securing the extension and reaffirmed his commitment to keeping the team competitive.
"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. 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."
Verstappen emphasized his long-standing bond with the organization, describing the team as a second family where he feels very at home.
"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," Verstappen added. "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."
Team leadership response
Laurent Mekies praised the agreement, describing the decision to retain Verstappen as fantastic news for Red Bull, Formula One and motorsport as a whole.
"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," Mekies said.
"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," Mekies added. "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."
