Formula 1: Max Verstappen extends deal with Red Bull to 2030

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has signed a new contract at Red Bull until the end of 2030.

The move should end speculation about the Dutchman’s future at the end of this season, after he had been linked with potential moves to Mercedes or McLaren.

Verstappen was previously contracted to the end of 2028, but there were clauses in his contract that would have allowed him to leave at the end of the current Formula 1 season had he wanted.

“We have the best people and I’m excited to keep working together with everyone to get back to the top again,” said Verstappen, 28.

“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.”

Red Bull have had a difficult start to the era of new regulations for cars and engines introduced for this season.

Verstappen’s best results have been two second places, in the Austrian and Hungarian Grands Prix, after coming within two points of beating McLaren’s Lando Norris to the world title last season. That 2025 close call followed a dramatic fightback in the second half of the season from a deficit of more than 100 points to the championship lead.

Red Bull’s lack of performance has led to Verstappen voicing frustration on a number of occasions, but in the end he has decided to stick with what he knows.

The decision comes despite his trusted race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase signing to join McLaren by 2028.

Verstappen’s renewal statement included praise for team principal Laurent Mekies, who took over last July after former boss Christian Horner was sacked following a turbulent 18-month period and a decline in competitiveness.

“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.”

The announcement has been timed to coincide with Verstappen’s final home race this weekend before the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort falls off the calendar.