Verstappen Will Remain with Red Bull Through 2030 and Rules Out Leaving Formula 1

Max Verstappen has renewed with Red Bull until the end of 2030, removing the biggest unknown in the Formula 1 drivers' market. The confirmation came at Zandvoort, on the eve of the Dutch Grand Prix, and adds two seasons to the commitment that was set to expire in 2028.

SPA, BELGIUM - JULY 17: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (3) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB22 Red Bull Ford on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 17, 2026 in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Steven Tee/LAT Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202607170263 // Usage for editorial use only //

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The renewal comes with Red Bull winless in 2026 and Max in seventh place in the championship with 109 points, far behind Kimi Antonelli, the leader with 219. The debut of Red Bull Ford Powertrains as an engine manufacturer and the new regulations stripped the Milton Keynes team of the advantage that characterized it between 2022 and 2024.

The performance clauses included in the original contract, which expired in 2028, kept open the possibility of an early exit. Raymond Vermeulen, Max's representative, admitted in June that those clauses existed. Mercedes emerged as the most frequently cited destination due to contact between Toto Wolff and Max's camp. The Brackley team already had a young and winning lineup with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, and Antonelli's lead reduced the need for an internal change.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 08: Fifth placed Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren and Sixth placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on March 08, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Andy Hone/LAT Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202603080218 // Usage for editorial use only //

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McLaren offered another heavyweight alternative because Lando Norris won the 2025 championship by two points over Verstappen, and Gianpiero Lambiase, Max's engineer since his arrival at Red Bull, will leave the team to join McLaren in 2028. That departure led to speculation about a possible reunion at Woking, but Max ruled out that interpretation and backed his engineer.

Verstappen clarified that he was closer to leaving Formula 1 than to switching teams. His concerns combined the lack of results with the regulatory direction of the championship, particularly the increased emphasis on the electrical component in the cars. Conversations with the FIA, the series, and Red Bull convinced him to continue.

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - FEBRUARY 20: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (3) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB22 Red Bull Ford makes a pitstop during day three of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on February 20, 2026 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202602200418 // Usage for editorial use only //

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Within Red Bull, Laurent Mekies heads the sporting structure, and the team is developing its own engine for the first time alongside Ford. Max felt that this rebuild has a defined direction and decided to commit to it. With 71 wins at Red Bull and four world titles, he extends a relationship that began in the junior program in 2014.

The Zandvoort round, which is bidding farewell to the Formula 1 calendar, gives Verstappen a chance to chase a result that could reignite his season. The extended contract does not solve the current crisis, but it ensures that Max remains at the forefront of Red Bull's project through the rebuild.