Verstappen commits to Red Bull until 2030
Max Verstappen has signed a contract extension with Red Bull that runs until the end of the 2030 season. The four-time champion was previously contracted through 2028 with performance clauses. The new deal ends speculation about a potential switch to Mercedes or McLaren and commits him to the team through the next four seasons.
Contract extension secured
Max Verstappen has extended his contract with Oracle Red Bull Racing until the end of the 2030 season. The four-time world champion was previously bound through 2028, with performance-related clauses that could have allowed an exit after 2026. The new agreement removes those options and locks in his presence at the team for four additional seasons. [1]
The announcement came on 20 August 2026 ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, Verstappen's home race at that circuit. Red Bull sit fourth in the constructors' standings after 11 races, while Verstappen occupies sixth in the drivers' championship. [2]
Background and implications
Verstappen joined Red Bull's junior programme in 2014 and has raced for the senior team since 2016. The partnership has delivered four drivers' titles, two constructors' titles and 71 race wins. The new deal extends one of the longest driver-team relationships in modern Formula 1. [3]
Speculation had linked the Dutch driver with moves to Mercedes and McLaren. The extension ends those rumours and confirms all major seats at the leading teams remain stable into 2027. [2]
Related reading
https://www.reuters.com/sports/formula1/verstappen-will-continue-with-red-bull-racing-until-end-2030-formula-one-season-2026-08-20/ https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13574907/max-verstappen-red-bull-driver-signs-new-contract-extension-until-2030-formula-1-season-ahead-of-dutch-grand-prix https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/c20j3j2mnpxo
- [1]Verstappen commits to Red Bull until end of 2030 (reuters). Accessed 2026-09-06.
- [2]Max Verstappen: Red Bull driver signs new contract extension until 2030 (skysports). Accessed 2026-09-06.
- [3]Formula 1: Max Verstappen extends deal with Red Bull to 2030 (bbc). Accessed 2026-09-06.