Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has signed a contract extension with Red Bull Racing (the Austrian-based constructor that has dominated the sport in recent years) that will keep him with the team until the end of the 2030 season, extending his previous deal by two years. The announcement ends months of speculation over whether Verstappen might join a rival team such as Mercedes or McLaren, fuelled by a difficult start to the 2025 season and internal turbulence at Red Bull, including the dismissal of team principal Christian Horner. Verstappen, 28, said he was closer to retiring than switching teams, describing Red Bull as a "second family" and expressing a desire to close out his entire career with the team where he has won all 71 of his grand prix victories.