Max Verstappen and Red Bull confirmed on the eve of this weekend’s Dutch GP the contract renewal until the 2030 Formula 1 season. This was the timeline between rumors of a departure and the signing of the agreement.
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Since the start of the championship, the Dutchman has been critical of the 2026 regulations, even saying he would need to think about whether he would continue in the category with this new set of rules. “Yeah, I’m not upset about it. I’m no longer disappointed or frustrated with what’s happening. You know how I think about many things, right? I don’t need to repeat it,” he said in Japan.
Alongside his dissatisfaction with the regulations and the lack of performance of the RB22, the competitor was linked to other teams, especially McLaren, where he would possibly replace Oscar Piastri. And where there’s smoke, there’s fire; talks were held between the Dutchman and Zak Brown, the team’s CEO, as well as with the driver’s manager.
However, the American executive emphasized that if there were collaboration between both parties, it would be more long-term, not 2027. “We are very happy with our driver duo. I don’t see any opportunity at the moment here at McLaren. He is, obviously, an incredible talent, but we have two drivers who work very well together. Both won seven races last year,” he highlighted at the time.
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But McLaren was not the only point of attention for a possible Verstappen exit from Red Bull. In the contract of the four-time F1 champion, there is a clause linked to performance: if he reached the summer break without occupying the top two positions in the standings, he could activate it and end the agreement at the end of 2026. Max reached the break occupying only fifth place.
Obviously, Verstappen was constantly questioned about his future, but always slipping away. “No. There’s nothing to say from my side. I said there’s nothing to say,” he said in Belgium; “I’m feeling good and, look, when I say there’s nothing to say, it’s because nothing is happening. So, for me, the focus is just trying to get the most out of the car,” he added in Hungary.
Then, with the 2026 Formula 1 season resumed, at his home race in Zandvoort, the confirmation came: Max stays at Red Bull and even extends his contract until the 2030 season. “I am very happy with the contract renewal. We have the best professionals and I’m excited to continue working with everyone to get to the top again. This remains the main goal that all of us have worked for and will continue to pursue.”
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