--- title: "Max Verstappen Surprises Everyone and Commits to Red Bull F1 Through 2030" date: "2026-08-20" modified: "2026-08-20" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/max-verstappen-surprises-everyone-and-commits-to-red-bull-f1-through-2030" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # Max Verstappen Surprises Everyone and Commits to Red Bull F1 Through 2030 ![Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen speaks during a press conference ahead of the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix at The Circuit Zandvoort, western Netherlands, on August 20, 2026. Four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has signed a new contract with Red Bull until the end of 2030, the team announced on August 20, 2026, ending speculation over his future in the sport. (Photo by SIMON WOHLFAHRT / AFP)]() *\SIMON WOHLFAHRT via Getty\* Four-time [Formula 1]() world champion Max Verstappen had big news for everyone this morning: A fresh signature on a four-year contract with Red Bull Racing. And just to drive the point home, he did so with a poster reading "Four More Years of Full Send" behind him. The Dutch driver took to social media Thursday morning to announce his latest career move, which will see him remain with the Milton Keynes squad until 2030. It's a surprising move, really, as Red Bull has been on and off the pace through the first half of the season; sometimes fighting for podiums and even wins, but more often than not, languishing poorly in the midfield and causing Verstappen to go on explosive tirades against the team on the radio. "We have the best people and I'm excited to keep working together with everyone to get back to the top again," said Verstappen about his future. "This remains the ultimate goal that all of us have been working towards and will continue to pursue. I have always said it: the team is like a second family for me and I feel very at home. ![ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS - AUGUST 18: \<\> during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on August 18, 2026 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)]() **Mark Thompson via Getty** "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," he added. Neither party divulged Verstappen's compensation per his new contract, but some paddock insiders believe it could be worth upwards of $100,000 per year, making him the highest-paid driver on the grid. This is likely even higher than Lewis Hamilton's salary at Ferrari, and certainly higher than Fernando Alonso's at Aston Martin. Only during his peak at Mercedes did Hamilton earn something close to that, and before him, Michael Schumacher with Ferrari. Verstappen's re-signing effectively shuts down many rumors and brings an early end to a high-stakes game of musical chairs that's been played within the F1 paddock for over a year now. With RBR's recent lack of performance, Verstappen was rumored to have been in talks with Mercedes, Ferrari, and even McLaren. Now, all those team principals can wipe their tears and move on, knowing that Verstappen is off-limits. That said, given Red Bull's current pace, it's very likely that Raymond Vermeulen, Max's manager, has strategically built performance clauses into the team's contract. This would put pressure on Red Bull to give Verstappen a competitive car or risk letting him out of his contract. *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()