Max Verstappen has brought an end to the question of his Formula One future, signing a new Red Bull contract which ties the reigning champion to the outfit until the conclusion of 2030.
The quadruple World Champion had been courted by Mercedes and McLaren, with Red Bull underperforming following F1’s new era; however, Verstappen’s previous terms extended only to the conclusion of 2028. However, the contract did contain potential exit clauses in his terms, which could have permitted a move as early as the end of the current campaign.
“We’ve got the best personnel, and I’m excited to continue working with everyone in order to get back to the top again” stated Verstappen.
The 28-year-old continued, describing the team as being like his “second family,” and spoke of his decision being something he had “always” wished for.
The signing has been made despite an undoubtedly challenging beginning to the new regime for the Milton Keynes team. In the new regulations, Verstappen’s highest finishes to date in 2024 have been second, in neither the Austrian nor the Hungarian Grand Prix, whilst he also fought a close tussle for last season’s championship with Lando Norris.
Team principal Laurent Mekies commented: “We’re delighted to have secured the future of our number one and of the undisputed best driver on the grid.”
Since making his step-up to the senior Red Bull team in 2016 – in which he managed an immediate victory – Verstappen has accumulated 71 wins and four championships. This latest agreement keeps him until 2030, although it’s understood he does have a “performance-related exit clause”.
