Max Verstappen has committed to stay with Red Bull Racing until the end of the 2030 Formula 1® season by signing a contract extension that adds two more years to his existing deal. This announcement came just before the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, confirming Verstappen’s long-term future with the team.
The new contract extends Verstappen’s stay beyond his previous agreement, which was set to run until the end of 2028. Having joined Red Bull Racing midway through the 2016 season after a promotion from Toro Rosso, Verstappen will mark 15 seasons with the team by 2030. As a four-time world champion, he remains a pivotal figure in Red Bull’s Formula 1® efforts.
Verstappen expressed satisfaction with the extension, highlighting his confidence in the team’s direction under the leadership of Laurent Mekies. Mekies, who took over as Red Bull’s team principal about a year ago, has been credited with playing a significant role in securing Verstappen’s long-term commitment. Mekies praised Verstappen as the best driver on the grid and emphasised the strong partnership and shared ambition between the driver and the team.
The extension puts to rest any speculation about Verstappen’s future in Formula 1®, especially considering his previously expressed reservations about the new generation of cars and his interest in other motorsport disciplines. Red Bull’s ability to retain Verstappen reflects the team’s ongoing commitment to building around their leading driver.
By 2030, Verstappen’s 15-season tenure with Red Bull will stand as one of the longest in the sport’s recent history. His continued presence offers stability and experience to the team as they navigate the evolving technical and competitive landscape of Formula 1®.
Laurent Mekies’ role in this process underlines the importance of leadership in maintaining key driver relationships. His comments about Verstappen highlight the mutual trust and ambition that underpin their collaboration. Verstappen’s extension signals a clear intent from both driver and team to pursue further success together in the coming years.
This contract extension confirms Verstappen’s place at Red Bull Racing well into the next decade, reinforcing the team’s core lineup as they continue their Formula 1® campaign.