Key Takeaways:
- Management Endorsement: Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies praised Max Verstappen’s contract extension through 2030, calling the retention of “the best driver on the grid” fantastic news for the entire sport.
- Built on Mutual Trust: Mekies emphasized that the long-term agreement reflects deep-seated trust forged through world championships, intense battles, and challenging periods of organizational transition.
- Unfinished Business: Red Bull management reaffirmed its shared commitment to rebuilding top-step competitiveness, aiming to break further records under the 2026 technical regulations and beyond.
Max Verstappen has decided to stay with Red Bull, signing a two-year contract extension that keeps the four-time World Champion tied to the team through 2030. Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies described the renewal as “fantastic news,” highlighting the competitiveness, determination, and bravery demonstrated by the Dutchman throughout their partnership.
In an official statement released by Red Bull, the team boss underscored Verstappen’s transformative impact on the organization’s history, stating that the new agreement provides the foundation for achieving further records in F1.
“Retaining the best driver on the grid is fantastic news for everyone at Red Bull, as well as for F1 and motorsport as a whole. Very few partnerships in sport achieve what Max and this team have accomplished. From the beginning, Max has embodied everything that makes Red Bull special: unwavering competitiveness, relentless determination, and courage. His impact on our team and Red Bull’s history in motorsport has been transformative, being fundamental to everything we have achieved together,” Mekies stated.
Mekies also highlighted the trust built between Verstappen and Red Bull over the years, particularly through major championship achievements and challenging transitional periods following the departure of key historical figures.
“The decision to continue our journey together is based on the trust that Max and the team have built over many years, as well as confidence in our people, our culture, and our vision for the future. Built amidst championship victories, intense battles, and challenging moments, this relationship has only grown stronger, becoming one of F1’s greatest success stories,” he emphasized.
With the renewal, Red Bull secures the commitment of the grid’s star driver for two additional seasons beyond his previous 2028 contract, ensuring continuity as the team seeks to expand Verstappen’s record-breaking tally. Mekies expressed confidence that the partnership still has major achievements ahead.
“We are not done yet. There are more races to win, new milestones to reach, 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 with even greater faith in what we can achieve. A lot will evolve as we move forward, but our ambition remains unchanged: united by one direction, vision, and team,” he concluded.
The contract extension resolves ongoing paddock speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future, solidifying a partnership that has yielded four Drivers’ World Championships. The long-term deal aligns driver and team as Red Bull works through its long-term project to regain peak competitiveness under the 2026 technical regulations.
The announcement arrives as paddock preparations ramp up for Round 12, joining major storylines such as Verstappen’s personal reaction to his Red Bull renewal, Lewis Hamilton outlining Ferrari’s upgrade trajectory, Honda introducing an upgraded engine package for Aston Martin, and McLaren confirming rear-end updates for Zandvoort.
Formula 1 resumes track action this weekend, August 21–23, 2026, at the Dutch Grand Prix, the 12th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO is covering all activities in Zandvoort live on-site with reporter Leonid Kliuev.
2026 Dutch Grand Prix — Session Schedule (Local Time / CEST)
| Day | Session | Local Time (CEST) |
| Friday, August 21 | Free Practice 1 | 12:30 – 13:30 |
| Friday, August 21 | Sprint Qualifying | 16:30 – 17:14 |
| Saturday, August 22 | Sprint Race | 12:00 – 12:30 |
| Saturday, August 22 | Grand Prix Qualifying | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Sunday, August 23 | Grand Prix (72 Laps) | 15:00 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is Max Verstappen’s new Red Bull contract extension?
Max Verstappen’s new extension adds two years to his previous agreement, securing his seat at Red Bull Racing through the end of the 2030 Formula 1 season.
How many race wins has Max Verstappen achieved with Red Bull?
Max Verstappen has taken 71 Grand Prix victories with Red Bull Racing since joining the senior team in 2016.
Who is the Team Principal of Red Bull Racing?
Laurent Mekies serves as Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, having assumed leadership of the Milton Keynes outfit in July 2025.
