Max Verstappen ends speculation over his F1 future by agreeing new deal with Red Bull - after four-time world champion held talks with McLaren over sensational switchSee more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy JONATHAN MCEVOY, SPORTS WRITER AND DAILY MAIL'S MOTOR RACING WRITER Published: 08:04 BST, 20 August 2026 | Updated: 08:21 BST, 20 August 2026
Max Verstappen has ended speculation over his future by committing to remain at Red Bull until 2030 - in what could be the final deal of his Formula One career.The four-time world champion held talks with McLaren and was linked to Mercedes over the last couple of years, but he will stay at the team where he has accrued his phenomenal success, news that is expected to be confirmed ahead of his home race in the Netherlands this weekend.His desire to stay where he is comes after a period of negotiations that at times became fractious. His representatives were seeking an increased salary while Red Bull executives were unwilling to improve on his £60million-a-year deal. Compromise has been found to keep their star asset.It ends conjecture over the 28-year-old's plans after he held talks with McLaren boss Zak Brown a couple of months ago.The exact details of Verstappen's deal remain to be seen. He is already committed to Red Bull until the end of 2028.Max Verstappen has ended speculation over his future by signing a new deal with Red Bull The 28-year-old has committed his future until 2030, in what could be his final F1 contract'I am really pleased with the contract extension,' Verstappen said via Red Bull Racing's official website. 'We have the best people and I'm excited to keep working together with everyone to get back to the top again. This remains the ultimate goal that all of us have been working towards and will continue to pursue. I want to thank Red Bull, Laurent [Mekies] and everyone at Oracle Red Bull Racing for the trust they put in me.'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.' Verstappen had been linked with a move to reigning champions McLarenMekies added: '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.'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.'
