Verstappen ends months of speculation over F1 future
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has re-signed with Red Bull until the end of the 2030 season.
Verstappen, regarded as one of the sport’s modern-day greats, had been linked with a possible move away from the team in recent months.
Max Verstappen. AP Photo/Fatima Shbair
But in a statement on Thursday evening (AEST), Red Bull officials confirmed the 28-year-old was going nowhere and had committed long-term.
“I am really pleased with the contract extension,” Verstappen said.
“We have the best people and I’m excited to keep working together with everyone to get back to the top again. This remains the ultimate goal that all of us have been working towards and will continue to pursue.
“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.
“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.”
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies lauded the move and believes the Dutch superstar will continue to dominate for years to come.
“Having Max continue with us and retaining the best driver on the grid is fantastic news for everyone at Red Bull, as well as F1 and motorsport as a whole,” he said.
“Very few partnerships in sport achieve what Max and this team have. Max has embodied everything that makes Red Bull special: uncompromising competitiveness, relentless determination and courage to challenge convention.
“His impact on our team and on Red Bull’s story has been transformational, and he has been fundamental to everything we have accomplished together.
“The decision to continue our journey together is rooted in the trust Max and the team have built over many years, as well as Max’s confidence in our people, our culture and our vision for the future. Forged through championship-winning success, intense battles and challenging moments alike, this relationship has only grown stronger – making it one of Formula 1’s greatest success stories.
“But we are not done yet. There are more races to win, more milestones to achieve and more history to write. Together, we continue to raise the bar with the same determination that brought us to the top of the sport.
Max Verstappen with Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies. Getty Images
“Much will evolve as we move forward, but our ambition remains unchanged - united by one direction, one vision, one team.”
During his incredible career to date, Verstappen has won 71 grand prix races.
The news of Verstappen’s fresh deal comes as seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton reportedly closes in on a new contract with Ferrari.
