Max Verstappen contract until the end of 2030: “They’re just my family”

It’s the bombshell news of 20 August 2026: four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen is staying loyal to Red Bull Racing and has extended his contract early by two years, taking it through to the end of 2030.

In the months leading up to this, rumours had been circulating that he might move to Mercedes (at the expense of George Russell); there was talk of a swap with McLaren driver Oscar Piastri; and there were claims that the 71-time Grand Prix winner might take a break from Formula 1 or even hang up his racing helmet for good. All nonsense.

The world champion from 2021 to 2024 says: “I’ve always said – Red Bull is my family; I feel a strong connection to the Red Bull Racing team.”

“I simply wanted to get clear on what I want for the future, and to that end I wanted to find out what the team’s strategic plans are. But my primary goal hasn’t changed. I told Didi Mateschitz back then – my aim is to finish my career with Red Bull.”

“I get on very well with team principal Laurent Mekies; I have very open discussions with him. He hasn’t guaranteed me that I’ll win races, but I can see how hard the team is working to become competitive again.”

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“We’ve still got a few good years ahead of us. I’m proud that we’re sticking together. I’ve celebrated some fabulous successes with Red Bull Racing, and we’re very keen to get back to that level in 2026 after a difficult start to the season.”

“After the first few races of the 2026 season, I told team principal Laurent Mekies: ‘You’d better not ask me about the future.’ It’s no secret that I’m not happy with these cars. But I’ve had many discussions not only with Laurent, but also with Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali and the FIA. We’re working towards having – in my view – a better product in the future.”

“As for myself, I’ve made my peace with this generation of racing cars. But I won’t hide the fact that I’d also be delighted if we were to go back to racing with V8 engines.”

“I still love racing; I love the battles – these are still Formula 1 racing cars, even if I’m not a fan of this generation of engines.”