Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Max Verstappen has put an end to speculation over his Formula One future by signing a new long-term contract with Red Bull.
The four-time world champion’s future has dominated the agenda throughout the season amid Red Bull’s indifferent form and his bitter unhappiness at the sport’s new regulations.
Verstappen had been linked with a sensational switch to Mercedes and McLaren as well as a possible exit from the sport but, ahead of his home race at this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, he has committed to Red Bull until 2030.
“I have always said it: the team is like a second family for me and I feel very at home,” Verstappen said.
“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.”
Verstappen fell just short of a fifth successive world championship last season, losing out to Lando Norris at the final race, but the winner of 71 races has yet to win in 2026 and is sixth in the standings ? a whopping 110 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli.
The Dutchman has been the fiercest critic of the sport’s new rules, which see a 50-50 split between electrical and internal combustion engine power, even suggesting he may walk away from F1.
His previous Red Bull contract ran until 2028, with performance-related break clauses offering him a potential exit, but the team and F1 bosses will be pleased to have secured Verstappen’s commitment.
Team principal Laurent Mekies said: “Having Max continue with us and retaining the best driver on the grid is fantastic news for everyone at Red Bull, Oracle Red Bull Racing, as well as F1 and motorsport as a whole.
“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.”
