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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.
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.
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As deputy editor, Jerry draws on a decade of industry experience and a lifelong passion for motorsports to guide The Drive’s short- and long-term coverage.
