Max Verstappen on new Red Bull deal and why he was ‘closer to retiring’
Max Verstappen reveals why he chose to extend his Red Bull deal through 2030 rather than step away from Formula 1.
The defining narrative of the Dutch Grand Prix weekend emerged before track action even got underway at Zandvoort, as Red Bull Racing officially confirmed a landmark contract extension for Max Verstappen through to the end of the 2030 season.
Why Max Verstappen chose Red Bull stability over a rival F1 switch
Following nearly a year of widespread paddock speculation regarding his long-term future, the four-time world champion has put pen to paper to remain with his formative team for at least another four seasons.
Mercedes had mounted a persistent push to lure the Dutchman away from Milton Keynes, but the driver opted against a change of scenery.
Crucially, Red Bull management managed to provide the assurances Verstappen required regarding their technical trajectory and their capability to deliver a championship-contending package in the medium term.
Even the upcoming departure of long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, who is set to join McLaren ahead of the 2028 campaign, did not derail the negotiations.
“Of course a few names have left, but at the same time, it’s still my family,” Verstappen explained when addressing his decision. “I never felt the desire or need also to change, just to change to another team to try and win somewhere else.
“If I feel well within the team here, why should I? Because I know that they do everything for me, and they know that I do everything for them once I’m on the track trying to get the results. I’m just happy to be here and continue to drive here.”
Retirement proved a bigger threat than rival teams
Despite interest from rival garages, the 28-year-old revealed that stepping away from the sport entirely was a far more realistic prospect than donning different overalls following the introduction of the radical 2026 technical regulations.
“I think I was closer to retiring than changing team! But no, all good,” Verstappen admitted.
Reassurances gathered during high-level discussions with Formula 1 leadership and the FIA regarding the future direction of the sport ultimately convinced the defining driver of the current era to extend his commitment.
“I accepted kind of the situation that we’re in,” he added. “I’m personally, of course, I’m not happy with it. But at the same time, with the discussions that I’ve had with F1 and FIA, already trying to make little improvements for next year or the year after, plus the year that I signed to, leaving the door open for a potential V8 return, I’m willing to accept that at the moment.
“It’s, let’s say, not fantastic. But I still love racing. I mean, it’s still a Formula 1 car. And some tracks are better than others. But, yeah, for sure we know that in some areas I think we can improve. So, hopefully, over the years it will get a little bit better.”
