Max Verstappen will continue to defend Red Bull in Formula 1 until the end of 2030. The team announced the renewal this Thursday (20), extending the four-time world champion's contract for another two seasons, which was previously valid until 2028.
Max Verstappen stays at Red Bull until 2030 and ends rumors about leaving
Max Verstappen will continue to defend Red Bull in Formula 1 until the end of 2030. The team announced the renewal this Thursday (20), extending the four-time world champion's contract for another two seasons, which was previously valid...
Speculation gained strength due to the internal changes taking place at Red Bull and the team's drop in performance. The 2026 season, marked by the entry of new technical regulations and the partnership between Red Bull Powertrains and Ford, has been especially complicated for the team.
- Despite the scenario, Verstappen and Red Bull never publicly announced their intention to end early a partnership that began in the youth categories and has already yielded four drivers'...
- With the new agreement, Verstappen now has one of the longest contracts among current Formula 1 drivers.
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The confirmation comes on the eve of the Dutch GP, the Dutch driver's home race, and ends months of rumors about a possible team change.
Speculation gained strength due to the internal changes taking place at Red Bull and the team's drop in performance. The 2026 season, marked by the entry of new technical regulations and the partnership between Red Bull Powertrains and Ford, has been especially complicated for the team.
Despite the scenario, Verstappen and Red Bull never publicly announced their intention to end early a partnership that began in the youth categories and has already yielded four drivers' world titles.
With the new agreement, Verstappen now has one of the longest contracts among current Formula 1 drivers.
Verstappen celebrates staying with the team
When commenting on the renewal, the driver highlighted the connection built with Red Bull and stated that the objective continues to be to put the team back in contention for the top of the category.
"We have the best people and I'm excited to continue working with everyone to get back to the top again. This remains the ultimate goal that we have all been working towards and will continue to pursue," he said.
Verstappen also classified Red Bull as a "second family" and recalled that he arrived at the team wanting to win victories, before building a trajectory that resulted in four world championships.
"Continuing this journey with the same team I've been with my entire career is really special and something I've always wanted to do," he said.
Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies highlighted the relationship of trust between the parties and stated that Verstappen played a decisive role in the team's transformation in recent years.
"The decision to continue our journey together is based on the trust that Max and the team have built over several years, as well as his trust in our people, our culture and our vision for the future," he said.
A career linked to Red Bull
Verstappen debuted in Formula 1 in 2015, at the age of 17, for Toro Rosso, currently Racing Bulls. The following year, he was promoted to Red Bull and won his first race for the team, the 2016 Spanish GP.
The first world title came in 2021, after a historic dispute with Lewis Hamilton decided in the last race, in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen won three more consecutive championships, between 2022 and 2024.
At 28 years old, the Dutchman has 71 victories and 48 pole positions in Formula 1.
If he fully fulfills the new contract, Verstappen will remain at Red Bull until he is 33 years old. The driver has already stated on different occasions that he does not necessarily intend to prolong his career for as many seasons as some of his rivals.
2026 season increases challenge
The renewal comes during one of the most difficult periods in the partnership between Verstappen and Red Bull.
The four-time champion currently occupies sixth place in the Drivers' World Championship and is 110 points behind leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli, from Mercedes. Red Bull also appears only in fourth place in the constructors' championship.
The performance fueled speculation about a possible transfer to another team. With the extension of the contract until 2030, however, Verstappen reaffirms his commitment to the Red Bull project to try to return to contention for victories and titles in the coming seasons.
Williams renews Alex Albon for 2027 Formula 1 season
The British team confirmed that Alex Albon will remain for another season. At 30 years old, the Thai driver has already competed in 100 Grands Prix for Williams and this year became the record holder for the number of starts for the team.