Max Verstappen, the defending four-time Formula One champion, just announced his re-commitment to Red Bull Racing. He’s looking forward to driving for them this coming season. The announcement comes just days before Formula 1’s Hungarian Grand Prix. This wraps up months of speculation over his future with the organization. Verstappen’s current contract with Red Bull extends to 2028. Now some questions have arisen about a non-football performance-related clause that would allow him to leave the team earlier.
In recent races, Verstappen had dodged explicit questions about whether he planned to stay with Red Bull past 2023. Still, even with that uncertainty, he made an ambitious statement on Thursday. He promised to stay on the team next year. This clarification is important, particularly as storm clouds continued to roll in over the Red Bull F1 team in recent months.
Verstappen sounded pretty pleased with himself for making that decision at a media gathering prior to the race in Hungary.
“For me, it’s always been quite clear, and also for next year,” – Max Verstappen.
He went into greater detail about his vision, but his remarks left the impression that conversations with the team about next year’s goals are already in full swing.
“I’m discussing with the team already the plans — the things that we want to change for next year, so that means that I’m also staying with the team for next year,” – Max Verstappen.
The Belgian champion’s confirmation brings clarity to an otherwise tumultuous period for Red Bull, where performance issues had sparked concerns about the team’s stability and future.
The release announcement is meant to allay the fears of fans and other staff. It further cements Verstappen’s place as the true lead driver within Red Bull’s hierarchy. His decision to stay certainly fits with the organization’s hopes for more future success in Formula One.
