Max Verstappen is staying at Red Bull long-term

»We have the best people and I look forward to continuing to work with everyone to get back to the top. That remains the ultimate goal that we have all been working towards and that we will continue to pursue," said Verstappen.

Four-time world champion, currently only sixth in the World Cup

»The team is like a second family for me and I feel very comfortable here. I came to the team hoping to win races. What we achieved together was simply great – we experienced many incredible moments and won four World Championships," the Dutchman continued. »Continuing this journey with the same team with whom I have spent my entire career is very special and something I have always wanted.«

Verstappen became world champion in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. He won 71 Grands Prix. But Red Bull no longer has the strongest car in the field. Mercedes has so far implemented the rule revolution this season with new cars and engines best. Before the first race after the summer break, Verstappen is only sixth in the championship - 110 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli in the Mercedes.

Mercedes and McLaren were interested

Because of his lack of success, Verstappen, who was promoted to Red Bull from sister team Toro Rosso in 2016, has been the focus of speculation about his future since last year. Mercedes and McLaren were considered the hottest prospects because of an exit clause in Verstappen's contract.

"The decision to continue our common path is based on the trust that Max and the team have built over many years, as well as on Max's trust in our employees, our corporate culture and our vision for the future," said Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies.

In fact, there have been drastic personnel changes around Red Bull Racing over the past two years. Chief designer Adrian Newey moved to Aston Martin at the beginning of 2025. A few months later, the racing team parted ways with long-time team boss Christian Horner - not least due to a personal scandal, and his relationship with father Jos Verstappen was also considered strained. Red Bull was also in a sporting slump. At the end of 2025, motorsport consultant Helmut Marko, who in turn had been one of Max Verstappen's supporters and confidants, left the company.