Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has committed his future to Red Bull Racing by signing a new contract that will keep him with the team until the end of the 2030 season.
The agreement puts an end to months of speculation over Verstappen's future. The 28-year-old had been linked with possible moves to Mercedes and McLaren, particularly as his previous contract was due to expire in 2028 and reportedly contained clauses that could have allowed him to leave after the current season.
Verstappen said he was excited to continue working with Red Bull and help the team return to the front of the grid.
The Dutch driver joined Red Bull's senior team in 2016 and has since enjoyed one of the most successful partnerships in Formula 1. Together, they have won four world championships and achieved numerous race victories.
Red Bull, however, has faced a challenging start to the new era of Formula 1 regulations covering both cars and engines. Verstappen's strongest results this season have been second-place finishes at the Austrian and Hungarian Grands Prix.
His decision to remain with Red Bull comes despite frustrations over the team's recent lack of competitiveness. Last season, Verstappen narrowly missed out on the championship after finishing just two points behind McLaren's Lando Norris, following a remarkable second-half comeback from a deficit of more than 100 points.
Another factor surrounding Verstappen's future was the departure of his long-time race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, who is reportedly set to join McLaren by 2028.
Verstappen has nevertheless expressed confidence in Red Bull's direction under team principal Laurent Mekies, who took charge last year following the departure of Christian Horner.
The four-time champion praised Mekies' vision for the team and said he believes Red Bull's Milton Keynes workforce remains fully committed to building a stronger future.
With the new agreement running through 2030, Verstappen will remain at the heart of Red Bull's long-term Formula 1 plans as the team aims to return to championship-winning form and compete for more victories in the years ahead.
The announcement has also been timed around Verstappen's final home race weekend before the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort is set to leave the Formula 1 calendar.
