'Simply lovely': Verstappen signs new Red Bull contract until 2030

Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula One world champion, has signed a new contract with Red Bull until the end of 2030, the team announced on Thursday. The Dutch driver, who has won four consecutive championships since 2021, expressed his gratitude for joining the team, calling it "like a second family" and praising the time they have spent together.

Despite his success, Verstappen's recent struggles with the car's performance have led to speculation about his future in the sport and potential moves to different teams or even leaving Formula One entirely. Verstappen himself admitted to grappling with uncertainty but remained focused on working with the team to improve their performance.

Red Bull's team boss, Laurent Mekies, emphasized the trust Verstappen has placed in the organization and the responsibility that comes with it, stressing the need to deliver a competitive car for the star driver in the years to come. The news comes as preparations intensify for Verstappen's home race at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, where he has secured victories in the first three years of its return to the circuit.

Securing Verstappen's signature is a significant boost for Red Bull as they compete against Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren in the teams' championship.