Max Verstappen has committed his long-term future to Oracle Red Bull Racing after signing a contract extension that will keep the four-time Formula One World Champion with the team until the end of the 2030 season.
The new agreement extends one of Formula One’s most successful driver-team partnerships and ensures Verstappen will remain at the centre of Red Bull’s plans as the team continues into a new era under Team Principal and CEO Laurent Mekies.
“I am really pleased with the contract extension. We have the best people and I’m excited to keep working together with everyone to get back to the top again,” Verstappen said.
“This remains the ultimate goal that all of us have been working towards and will continue to pursue. I want to thank Red Bull, Laurent and everyone at Oracle Red Bull Racing for the trust they put in me.”
Verstappen’s relationship with Red Bull stretches back to 2014, when he joined the company’s junior programme.
After beginning his Formula One career with Toro Rosso, he was promoted to Red Bull Racing in 2016 and immediately delivered one of the most memorable debuts in the sport’s history, winning the Spanish Grand Prix in his first race for the team.
The partnership has since produced four Drivers’ World Championships, two Constructors’ titles and 71 Grand Prix victories, according to Red Bull.
Verstappen described the team as a second family and said continuing with the organisation he has represented throughout his Formula One career was something he had always wanted.
“I have always said it: The Team is like a second family for me and I feel very at home. I came to the Team hoping to be able to win races. What we went on to achieve together has been simply lovely and we have shared many incredible moments and won four World Championships,” he said.
“To continue this journey with the same Team that I have been with my whole career is really special and something I have always wanted to do.”
The extension also represents a significant vote of confidence in Red Bull’s direction under Mekies.
Verstappen said working with the Frenchman over the past year had given him confidence in the team’s vision, with the Dutchman looking ahead to fighting for victories and championships as Red Bull continues its development.
The new agreement comes during an important period for the Milton Keynes-based operation.
Red Bull Ford Powertrains is in its first season as a Formula One power unit manufacturer, while the team continues to invest in its technical infrastructure and facilities as it builds towards its long-term future.
Mekies described retaining Verstappen as significant for both Red Bull and Formula One.
“Having Max continue with us and retaining the best driver on the grid is fantastic news for everyone at Red Bull, Oracle Red Bull Racing, as well as F1 and motorsport as a whole,” he said.
Mekies pointed to the trust built between Verstappen and Red Bull through championship-winning seasons as well as more challenging periods, adding that the team still has more to accomplish.
“But we are not done yet. There are more races to win, more milestones to achieve and more history to write,” Mekies said.
“Much will evolve as we move forward, but our ambition remains unchanged – united by one direction, one vision, one Team.”
The timing of the announcement carries particular significance for Verstappen, with the news confirmed ahead of the final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort before the circuit leaves the Formula One calendar.
“To make this announcement during the last Grand Prix at Zandvoort is a great moment for me as well,” Verstappen said. “Hopefully we can give the fans a special send-off for the final race.”
With his future now secured through 2030, Verstappen and Red Bull will continue a partnership that has already delivered four World Championships as they attempt to build their way back to the front of Formula One.
