Max Verstappen makes final decision on F1 future and signs new contract

Max Verstappen has put an end to speculation surrounding his future by signing a contract extension with Red Bull.

The Dutchman was heavily rumoured to be departing Red Bull and persistently linked with sensational moves to McLaren and Mercedes as part of a major driver shake-up.

There were even suggestions, fuelled by Verstappen himself, that he was considering quitting F1 altogether after growing frustrated with the new power units and regulations.

However, on Wednesday morning, it was officially confirmed that the four-time world champion has put pen to paper on a new deal.

His previous deal was due to expire in 2028 and contained a clause which allowed him to leave at the end of the 2026 F1 season.

Verstappen's new deal sees him contracted to Red Bull until 2030 and the announcement has come days before his final home race in Zandvoort when the Dutch Grand Prix takes place for the last time

On X, Red Bull racing wrote: "Four more years of full send. We’re delighted to announce that Max has signed a contract extension with the Team until the end of 2030."

Verstappen has been with Red Bull since 2016 and amassed 71 race wins, 48 pole positions, 37 fastest laps, and 131 podiums in Formula One.

The partnership will continue, with Verstappen confident of achieving more success with Red Bull in the future.

"We have the best people and I'm excited to keep working together with everyone to get back to the top again," the 28-year-old stated.

"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.

"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."

Red Bull forced into change for Max Verstappen's final Dutch Grand Prix

The Dutch Grand Prix returned to the F1 calendar in 2021 after a 36-year absence but financial issues led to the organisers deciding against continuing to host the event, leaving Verstappen without a home race going forward.

Verstappen has won the Dutch Grand Prix three times and will hope for a fourth and final triumph on home soil.

He has been given a special helmet and race suit for the emotional affair. Teammate Isack Hadjar was also set to sport a different design for the occasion but he has been ruled out of the race after suffering a wrist injury during the summer break.

It has been reported that the Frenchman broke his wrist while boxing.

Red Bull have moved to replace him with Liam Lawson, who steps up from second team Racing Bulls.

Yuki Tsunoda, demoted to being reserve driver at Red Bull, steps in to race for Racing Bulls on short notice.