After a summer of ongoing and intriguing rumours about his Formula 1 future, Max Verstappen and Red Bull has announced that the Dutchman will remain with the team.
Verstappen has been at the centre of an ever-churning rumour mill over the summer, with reports suggesting talks with McLaren had taken place.
Motorsport Week reported that, in the aftermath of the British Grand Prix, Verstappen’s conversations with the team had significantly ramped up, signalling a genuine possibility he would swap the Milton Keynes-based squad for papaya.
But, ahead of this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix – the last time Verstappen will race in front of his home fans before the race leaves the schedule – Red Bull and the four-time World Champion have agreed terms for his continuity.
The deal with run until 2030, underlining the seismic nature of the development and the boost Red Bull receives from Verstappen’s continuity.
In a statement, Verstappen said: “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.
“Getting to work with Laurent now for over a year has also been great, I see a clear vision he has for the Team. 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.
“To make this announcement during the last Grand Prix at Zandvoort is a great moment for me as well. Hopefully we can give the fans a special send-off for the final race.”
‘We are not done yet’
Team Principal Laurent Mekies said: “Very few partnerships in sport achieve what Max and this Team have. Since the very beginning, Max has embodied everything that makes Oracle Red Bull Racing special: uncompromising competitiveness, relentless determination and the courage to challenge convention. His impact on our Team and on Red Bull’s motorsport 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 One’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 and an even greater faith in what we can achieve. Much will evolve as we move forward, but our ambition remains unchanged – united by one direction, one vision, one Team.”
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