Verstappen Commits to Red Bull Until 2028, Rules Out Racing Into His 40s

Max Verstappen has firmly shut the door on transfer speculation, confirming he intends to honor his Red Bull contract until 2028. The four-time champion also clarified that he does not plan to race in Formula 1 into his 40s, signaling a clear timeline for his future in the sport.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's public commitment provides much-needed stability for Red Bull after a turbulent summer filled with rumors linking him to Mercedes. With the team aiming to regain its dominant form and navigate the upcoming 2026 regulation changes, securing their star driver's long-term focus is critical for their technical and sporting planning.

The details:

• Contract Commitment: Verstappen, now 28, is entering his 12th season in F1. He explicitly stated that he wants to fulfill the deal he signed in 2022 and ruled out a team change "at this point in time."
• Marko's Departure: The Dutchman admitted sadness regarding the absence of Helmut Marko, who departed at the end of last season. Verstappen referred to him as a friend and sponsor, noting he will miss his presence by his side in 2026.
• Retirement Timeline: When asked about racing into his 40s, Verstappen dismissed the idea. He joked that by that age, he might instead be a team principal in another series.

Between the lines:

While his racing future is settled, Verstappen offered a glimpse into his personal connection to F1 history. He revealed a close relationship with Michael Schumacher, whom he knew as "Uncle Michael" due to the bond with his father, Jos. Verstappen recalled spending time in the pit lane with the seven-time champion at just five years old, underscoring the deep roots he has in the sport.

What's next:

With his future secured and the silly season rumors behind him, Verstappen’s focus shifts entirely to on-track performance. As the new season approaches, the primary question remains whether Red Bull can provide a championship-caliber car to extend his title tally.