Max Verstappen has signed a new contract with Red Bull Racing that will keep him with the team until 2030, according to BBC and Formula 1. The Dutch driver, 28, has been with the team since 2016 and is considered a key part of the squad’s identity and success — his new deal ensures he will remain with the team for another five years, extending a partnership that has already yielded four world titles.

Verstappen’s Commitment Despite Team Struggles

Red Bull has faced a difficult start to the new era of Formula 1 regulations, introduced for the 2026 season. The team has struggled with performance, with Verstappen’s best results this season being two second-place finishes in the Austrian and Hungarian Grands Prix. This is a marked contrast to last season, when he came within two points of winning the world title against Lando Norris of McLaren. Verstappen acknowledged the team’s challenges but has opted to remain with Red Bull, stating, ‘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.’

Verstappen also praised team principal Laurent Mekies, who took over in July 2025 after Christian Horner’s tenure. ‘Getting to work with Laurent now for over a year has also been great, I see a clear vision he has for the team,’ Verstappen said. Mekies has led the team through a rebuilding phase and made strategic decisions to maximize last season’s opportunities at the expense of having an underdeveloped car at the beginning of the new season.

A Second Family and a Shared Vision

Verstappen described the team as ‘like a second family’ for him and emphasized his sense of belonging. ‘The team is like a second family for me and I feel very at home,’ he said in a statement. This sentiment has remained consistent throughout his career, with Verstappen joining the team in 2016 and winning his first race as a Red Bull driver that same year. He has since won world championships in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Despite the current challenges, Verstappen remains confident in the team’s future. ‘We have the best people and I’m excited to keep working together with everyone to get back to the top again,’ he said. The announcement was made ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, a race Verstappen called ‘a great moment for me as well. Hopefully we can give the fans a special send-off for the final race.’

Contract Extension Amid Shifting Team Dynamics

Verstappen’s contract extension comes amid changes in the team’s structure. His trusted race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, is set to join McLaren by 2028. However, Verstappen emphasized his commitment to Red Bull and expressed confidence in the team’s direction. ‘Everyone in Milton Keynes believes in what we are building and I am looking forward to the next chapter, fighting for more victories and competing for championships as we continue to shape the future of this team,’ he said.

Red Bull Racing currently sits in fourth place in the constructors’ championship with 177 points, according to N+. Verstappen himself is sixth in the drivers’ standings with 109 points, 110 behind leader Kimi Antonelli. The team has yet to win a race this season, with Verstappen scoring 71 points so far. Despite the current struggles, both Verstappen and Red Bull remain focused on the long-term vision.

The CEO of Red Bull, Laurent Mekies, expressed optimism about the future, stating that the partnership with Verstappen represents a ‘declaration of confidence and mutual ambition.’ The team hopes to continue building on the success they have achieved together over the past years, including four world championships and numerous race victories.

Verstappen’s decision to stay with Red Bull has put an end to speculation about his potential departure. ‘The holidays were nice, but in the background we had a lot to do,’ Verstappen said in a short video message. With his new contract in place, he is now set to remain with the team through the end of 2030, marking nearly 15 years of partnership between the driver and the squad.