Max Verstappen extends Red Bull contract until 2030

The four-time world champion had previously been contracted until 2028, but clauses in his deal could have allowed him to leave at the end of the current campaign.

Verstappen had been linked with potential moves to Mercedes and McLaren, but the 28-year-old has now opted to remain with the team that has been his home for a decade.

“We have the best people and I’m excited to keep working together with everyone to get back to the top again,” Verstappen said.

“This remains the ultimate goal that all of us have been working towards and will continue to pursue.

“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.”

Verstappen stays despite Red Bull struggles

The announcement comes during a challenging period for Red Bull, who have struggled to match McLaren since the introduction of new car and engine regulations this season.

Verstappen’s best results so far have been second-place finishes at the Austrian and Hungarian Grands Prix.

That represents a significant change from last season, when he came within two points of beating McLaren’s Lando Norris to the world championship.

Verstappen produced a remarkable second-half fightback in 2025, recovering from a deficit of more than 100 points to move into championship contention before ultimately finishing two points behind Norris.

Red Bull’s lack of competitiveness has led to Verstappen expressing his frustration on several occasions, while there had been considerable speculation over whether he would remain with the team beyond 2026.

He has now chosen to continue with Red Bull, despite his long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase having agreed to join McLaren by 2028.

The new deal does not necessarily guarantee that Verstappen will remain at Red Bull for every race through to the end of 2030, with performance-related mechanisms understood to remain in place.

Such clauses are common in Formula 1 driver contracts, although the precise details of Verstappen’s agreement have not been disclosed.

Verstappen praises Laurent Mekies

Verstappen also highlighted the influence of Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies, who took over from Christian Horner last July following Horner’s departure after a turbulent period for the team.

“Getting to work with Laurent now for over a year has also been great, I see a clear vision he has for the team,” Verstappen said.

“Everyone [at Red Bull’s base] 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.”

Mekies welcomed the decision to retain the Dutchman, describing him as “the best driver on the grid”.

“Having Max continue with us and retaining the best driver on the grid is fantastic news,” Mekies said.

“Very few partnerships in sport achieve what Max and this team have. Since the very beginning, Max has embodied everything that makes Red Bull Racing special: uncompromising competitiveness, relentless determination and the courage to challenge convention.

“His impact on our team and Red Bull’s motorsport story has been transformational and he has been fundamental to everything we have achieved together.

“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 1’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.”

Verstappen’s remarkable Red Bull record

Verstappen began his Formula 1 career with Red Bull’s junior team, then known as Toro Rosso, in 2015.

He was promoted to the senior Red Bull team after just four races of the 2016 season and won his first Grand Prix on his debut for the team in Spain.

He has since established himself as one of the most successful drivers in F1 history.

Verstappen has won four world championships and 71 Grands Prix, with his victory tally ranking third on the all-time list behind Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.

His new contract will keep him at Red Bull through to the end of 2030, extending a partnership that has already delivered four drivers’ championships and some of the most memorable moments of his career.

The announcement has also been timed ahead of Verstappen’s final home race this weekend, with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort set to fall off the F1 calendar.

FAQs

How long is Max Verstappen’s new Red Bull contract?
Verstappen’s new contract runs until the end of the 2030 Formula 1 season.

How many F1 world championships has Max Verstappen won?
Verstappen has won four Formula 1 world championships.

How many F1 races has Max Verstappen won?
He has won 71 Grands Prix, putting him third on the all-time list behind Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.

When did Max Verstappen join Red Bull’s F1 team?
Verstappen was promoted from Toro Rosso to Red Bull after four races of the 2016 season and won the Spanish Grand Prix on his debut for the senior team.

Can Max Verstappen leave Red Bull before 2030?
Although the contract runs until the end of 2030, performance-related mechanisms are understood to remain in place. The precise details have not been disclosed.