Max Verstappen signs new Red Bull contract until 2030
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Max Verstappen (left) has not won a race this season and is sixth in the drivers’ championship.
PHOTO: AFP
- Max Verstappen has signed a new contract with Red Bull until the end of 2030, ending speculation about his future in Formula One.
- Despite a challenging season, Verstappen is committed to working with Red Bull to return to winning ways.
- The announcement adds excitement to the final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, where Verstappen has been very successful in past races.
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ZANDVOORT, Netherlands – Four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has signed a new contract with Red Bull until the end of 2030, the team announced on Aug 20, ending speculation over his future in the sport.
“I have always said it: The team is like a second family for me and I feel very at home,” he said.
“I came to the team hoping to be able to win races. What we went on to achieve together has been simply lovely,” he added, using his trademark phrase.
The news came with preparations in full swing for his home race, the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, and will delight his thousands of orange-clad fans.
Verstappen is one of the most successful Formula One drivers of all time, dominating the sport with four consecutive world championships from 2021.
But results have been harder to come by this season, with the 28-year-old failing to see a chequered flag in the first half of the year and sitting sixth in the drivers’ championship.
The uncompetitive nature of the Red Bull car in 2026 has led many to speculate that the mercurial Dutchman could switch to another team or even leave Formula One entirely.
But he said he was keen to get the team back to winning ways.
“We have the best people and I’m excited to keep working together with everyone to get back to the top again,” he said.
Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies hailed Verstappen’s “uncompromising competitiveness, relentless determination and the courage to challenge convention”.
“But we are not done yet. There are more races to win, more milestones to achieve and more history to write,” Mekies said.
The news adds even more spice to the final edition of the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort.
Verstappen is expected to don a special helmet for the occasion, inspired by the famous blue Delft pottery.
The promoters decided not to continue racing in Zandvoort partly owing to uncertainty over Verstappen’s future, given his importance for the popularity of the event.
He was once unbeatable on his home track, winning the first three editions after it was reintroduced to the circuit in 2021.
But he has since been chasing McLaren in his own backyard, with the British outfit’s drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri claiming the last two races.
“To make this announcement during the last Grand Prix at Zandvoort is a great moment for me as well,” said Verstappen.
“Hopefully we can give the fans a special send-off for the final race.” AFP
