Max Verstappen could well end his Formula 1 career at Red Bull. His father Jos hinted that the Dutchman’s new contract could be his last.
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Max Verstappen and Red Bull ended several months of speculation this week by announcing the extension of their collaboration until the end of the 2030 season. A long-term commitment that could ultimately lead the four-time world champion to the end of his Formula 1 career.
While Mercedes and McLaren had notably been mentioned as potential destinations, Verstappen chose to continue the adventure with the team that has supported him for almost his entire top-level career.
His father Jos Verstappen has now added an additional element: he believes Max might simply never drive for another team in F1.
Verstappen at Red Bull until the end?
Asked by Viaplay, Jos Verstappen spoke about his son’s future after signing this new contract. His words leave little doubt about the scenario currently favored by the Verstappen camp.
“Listen, in the end, we’ve obviously been here for a very long time and now it seems we will continue until the end” explains the former F1 driver.
A particularly significant statement as Max Verstappen’s new contract runs until the end of 2030. The Dutchman will then be 33 years old and could decide to definitively close the chapter on Formula 1.
“It’s simply wonderful to see. We are loyal to Red Bull. And now, there is once again a certain serenity.”
This extension mainly puts an end to the many questions surrounding the future of the four-time world champion.
Verstappen had considered retirement rather than a transfer
Max Verstappen himself had given a hint in this direction after the announcement of his extension. The Red Bull driver explained that he had been closer to considering retirement from F1 than a move to another team.
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He does not feel the need to change environment simply to take on a new challenge and has already mentioned the idea of finishing his career within the same structure.
A prospect that would give a special dimension to his story with Red Bull. Verstappen joined the main team in 2016 after his debut with Toro Rosso and has since won four world titles under its colors.
His new contract could thus allow him to close a career almost entirely associated with the Red Bull family.
Jos Verstappen puts pressure on Red Bull
This loyalty does not mean, however, that Red Bull has a blank check. After dominating the previous generation of cars, the Milton Keynes team has been going through a much more complicated period since the introduction of the new technical regulations in 2026.
For Jos Verstappen, Red Bull’s mission is now clear: to provide his son with a car capable of regularly fighting again for wins and titles.
“In the end, you want to win races. So the pressure is on them to simply build a good car for the future.”
Max’s father remains convinced that Red Bull has the resources necessary to return to the top.
“We know they can do it. And now? We just hope it happens quickly.”
The extension until 2030 therefore brings stability to both parties, but it also comes with a clear expectation: Verstappen wants to get back a car capable of winning. And if Red Bull achieves that, the Dutchman might never need to look elsewhere before ending his career.
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