Max Verstappen signs Red Bull extension on eve of Dutch GP

Four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has signed a contract extension with Red Bull Racing, dispelling rumors of his potential departure from the team or the sport. The 28-year-old, who has been rumored to consider joining McLaren or Mercedes, expressed his excitement about continuing to work with his teammates, describing them as a "second family".

He dismissed speculation about moving to McLaren and stated he was closer to quitting his current team than to switching. Verstappen's decision to remain with Red Bull until 2030 will be appreciated by Dutch fans as it coincides with his final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. The announcement comes as Verstappen is currently sixth in the championship, 110 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli, and has yet to secure a win this season.

He criticized the new hybrid cars for being "not fun to drive" and "anti-racing", but his decision to sign a new deal was influenced by his desire to participate in more endurance races in the future. The Red Bull team also went through significant changes following the departure of former team boss Christian Horner, who left amid accusations of sexual harassment.

Verstappen's father, Jos, accused Horner of driving people apart, but the team denied any involvement from Verstappen.