F1 fans declare silly season over after Max Verstappen Red Bull contract announcement

Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 champion, has signed a contract extension with Red Bull that runs until the end of 2030. This move puts an end to speculation about his future in the sport, with some fans joking that the "silly season" is now over. According to Motorsport.com, Verstappen had been linked to Mercedes and McLaren, but he has committed to staying with Red Bull.

The new deal was announced ahead of Verstappen's home Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. As per the Malay Mail, Red Bull described the extension as a "powerful statement of mutual trust and ambition" and a shared decision to shape the future together. Verstappen expressed his commitment to the team, stating that he feels "very at home" and wants to continue winning races with them, as reported by the Associated Press.

Verstappen's current season has been uncharacteristically difficult, with the 28-year-old failing to win a race in the first half of the year and sitting sixth in the drivers' championship. Despite this, he has expressed his desire to get the team back to winning ways. The Associated Press also noted that Verstappen's previous contract ran through 2028 but reportedly included performance-related clauses.

Brief written by urgent.news from Motorsport.com, Yahoo Sports, Malay Mail, Associated Press, ABC News — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.