Max on Red Bull contract extension: 'Blue is my favourite colour'
Published on 20 August 2026 by Misha van der Kroon
The news of the day is undoubtedly Max Verstappen’s contract extension with Oracle Red Bull Racing. Rarely has so much media gathered at the Red Bull Energy Station, as is the case on Thursday in the paddock at Circuit Zandvoort. With dozens of cameras clicking and even more journalists listening in, Max explains why he has committed to the team through the 2030 Formula 1 season:
“Being part of this team already for such a long time it's definitely like a second family. We have won so much, and we have had so many incredible moments already together. With Laurent joining last year, I think from the start, the relationship has been really good, very open and transparent. The future of the team played a role in this decision, as well as some strategic decisions. For me it feels absolutely right to continue here. I have always said, when Dietrich was still alive, that my goal is to finish my career in this team. And I think we are getting close to that. Of course, there are still a lot of years ahead, but that's still the goal. That's why I'm very proud to extend. We’ve been at the top many times, and I think we all want to do everything we can to get back there.”
Max continues: “You have to feel good about where you are. I believe in these people and that we can get back to the top. Time will tell. That’s what we’re targeting. I still want to win races. I’m hungry to win more. Red Bull allows me to do things outside of Formula 1, so that’s a big plus. It’s the whole package which I’m very grateful for. When you have been working together for a long time, you know each other quite well. That’s why there was no immediate rush, and that’s why I also never really had anything to say, because step by step we were getting closer. I was never really stressed about it. We can just focus on the years ahead and just keep pushing together.”
After the major regulation changes that came into effect at the start of this year, were there moments when you wondered whether you wanted to continue in Formula 1? Max responds: “After the first few races this year, I said to Laurent: 'don’t come to me with questions about the future, because I don’t even know if I want to stay in Formula 1'. To be honest, we always kept it very open. I love racing and I’ve had a lot of good conversations with Formula 1, but also with the FIA. I think we’re slowly working towards something that is getting better and better. So, also from my side, I adapted. I accept the situation we’re all in and try to make the best of it. On top of that, extending through 2030 opens the door, when potentially the V8s come in, to revisiting things.”
So, Max remains loyal to Red Bull. Speaking about his new contract, he concludes: “I like it at Red Bull. Being picked up by Red Bull and finishing your career with the same team, that would be a great story. I don’t feel the need to change just for the sake of changing. I don’t necessarily need to drive in another colour. My favourite colour is blue, so that helps.”
Naturally, there is also plenty of attention on the Dutch Grand Prix. This weekend marks the sixth edition since 2021, with Max having won three times and finished runner-up twice. History has been made here. What will you miss about Circuit Zandvoort, Max? “The history here at Zandvoort and, of course, the huge amount of fans who love motorsport. The track has a cool layout, it’s definitely very rewarding if you get it right. It’s proper old-school driving. It’s definitely one of the best circuits on the calendar, so it will certainly be missed. Even if I hadn’t been Dutch, it would have been great to race here. And of course, for me being Dutch, it made it that extra bit special.”
