Verstappen Extends Red Bull Deal to 2030 After Weighing F1 Exit
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 20
Verstappen Extends Red Bull Deal to 2030 After Weighing F1 Exit
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 20
Summary
2030 is Max Verstappen’s new Red Bull end date, announced before his home Dutch Grand Prix and ending speculation over a team switch or retirement.
The four-time champion said he was "closer to retiring than changing team" after early-season doubts, driven by Red Bull’s lack of pace and his frustration with 2026 cars’ heavy reliance on electrical power.
Talks with Formula 1 and the FIA helped persuade Verstappen to stay, with the Dutch driver saying the sport is moving in a better direction and that a return to simpler V8 engines could come during the deal.
Red Bull framed the extension as central to its rebuild under team principal Laurent Mekies, who said Verstappen is the team’s strategic focal point as it tries to start a new winning cycle.
If he completes the contract, Verstappen would spend 15 seasons with Red Bull—the longest driver-team partnership in F1 history—even though the 28-year-old has yet to win a race this season.