Despite year-long rumors of Formula 1 icon Max Verstappen leaving the Red Bull Racing team, the Dutch driver has finally put those rumors to rest, as he is set to stay with the blue-and-red for the rest of the decade.
On the week of his home race in Zandvoort, the team announced Verstappen’s latest contract extension, which is set to keep the four-time champion in blue-and-red livery until 2030.
In a team statement, the 28-year-old racer expressed gratitude for the squad’s trust and remains ecstatic to continue representing the team he has raced with for more than a decade.
“I am really pleased with the contract extension. We have the best people, and I’m excited to keep working together with everyone to get back to the top again,” Verstappen said.
“The team is like a second family for me, and I feel very at home… What we went on to achieve together is simply lovely, and we have shared so many incredible moments and won four World Championships,” he added.
Verstappen Stays Despite Subpar Season for Red Bull
The 2026 F1 season has definitely not been as dominant as Verstappen’s previous campaigns, as new regulations, as well as the emergence of Lando Norris and McLaren, have derailed Mad Max’s usually dominant self. He has only appeared in four podium finishes and has yet to cross the checkered flag in front this year.
More than halfway into the season, Verstappen currently sits 6th in the driver standings and holds a 110-point deficit to current leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes.
Starting his career with Scuderia Toro Rosso—which is now known today as Racing Bulls—Verstappen was eventually promoted to the senior team Red Bull in mid-2016 and has since then been collecting victories for the same squad.
Despite Red Bull sitting 4th in the constructor standings, Verstappen and fellow teammate Isack Hadjar—who is currently out due to an injured hand—will look to finish the season strong amidst heavily favored competitors.
Verstappen will look to bring Red Bull its first win this season in his home race at the Zandvoort Circuit on Sunday, Aug. 23, at the Netherlands Grand Prix.
