Max Verstappen ends F1 future speculation with Red Bull contract decision

Max Verstappen has signed a new four-year contract with Red Bull Racing, quashing speculation over his long-term Formula One future.The 28-year-old, a four-time world champion and 71-time race winner, was into the final two years of his previous deal and is said to have held talks with McLaren earlier this season over a shock switch. He had also been linked with a move to Mercedes.His new deal will see him remain in situ at Red Bull, the team he has represented for the vast majority of his F1 career, until at least the end of the 2030 season, by which time he will be 33 years old.“The Team is like a second family for me and I feel very at home,” he said after signing. “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.”He continued, adding that he appreciates the vision set out by team principal Laurent Mekies, who replaced Christian Horner last July: “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.”Verstappen will hope to celebrate his new contract with victory at his home grand prix in Zandvoort this weekend, where he has won three of the past five seasons.His decision to extend will end considerable speculation surrounding his future in the sport.That has seen him try his hand in endurance racing, entering the Nurburgring 24 Hours for the first time in May 2026. He had been on course for victory before being forced to retire with a broken driveshaft.Read MoreVerstappen presently sits sixth in the F1 drivers’ standings, 110 points adrift of runaway leader Kimi Antonelli.