Max Verstappen Stuns Everyone by Signing with Red Bull F1 Until 2030

      SIMON WOHLFAHRT via Getty

      The latest car news and reviews, straightforward

      Sign up for our complimentary daily newsletter, which delivers the crucial stories directly to your inbox every weekday.

      Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen made a significant announcement this morning: he has signed a new four-year contract with Red Bull Racing. To emphasize his point, he stood in front of a poster that said, “Four More Years of Full Send.”

      The Dutch driver took to social media early Thursday to reveal his career development, which will keep him with the Milton Keynes team until 2030. This move is somewhat unexpected, as Red Bull has been inconsistent during the season’s first half—occasionally battling for podium finishes and wins, yet struggling more often in the midfield, prompting Verstappen to express his frustrations with the team over the radio.

      “We have the best people, and I’m eager to continue working with everyone to regain our top position,” Verstappen stated regarding his future. “This is the ultimate goal that all of us are striving for and will keep pursuing. I've always said it: the team feels like a second family to me, and I truly feel at home here.”

      Mark Thompson via Getty

      “I joined the team with the hope of winning races. What we’ve accomplished together has been wonderful, and we’ve shared numerous incredible moments and secured four World Championships. Continuing this journey with the same team I’ve been part of throughout my career is genuinely special, and it’s something I’ve always wanted,” he continued.

      Neither side disclosed the financial details of Verstappen’s new contract, but some insiders believe it could be valued at over $100,000,000 per year, positioning him as the highest-paid driver in F1. This amount is likely greater than Lewis Hamilton's salary at Ferrari and certainly surpasses Fernando Alonso's at Aston Martin. Only during his prime at Mercedes did Hamilton approach such figures, and before him, Michael Schumacher at Ferrari did as well.

      Verstappen’s re-signing effectively puts an end to numerous speculations and concludes a lengthy game of musical chairs in the F1 paddock that has persisted for over a year. Given RBR’s recent underperformance, there were rumors that Verstappen might have been in discussions with Mercedes, Ferrari, and even McLaren. Now, team principals can breathe a sigh of relief and move forward, knowing that Verstappen is no longer in play.

      That said, considering Red Bull’s current performance, it's plausible that Raymond Vermeulen, Max's manager, has incorporated performance clauses into the contract. This would compel Red Bull to provide Verstappen with a competitive car or risk allowing him to exit his contract.

      Have a tip? Reach out to us at tips@thedrive.com