A fresh twist has emerged in the ongoing saga around Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 future, with German outlet BILD reporting that Red Bull has tabled a lucrative contract extension to keep the four-time world champion through the end of the 2029 season.
Verstappen, currently contracted to Red Bull until 2028, has been at the center of speculation regarding his long-term commitment, especially amid dissatisfaction with the current F1 regulations and swirling rumours of a sabbatical or a surprise switch to McLaren.
According to BILD, a key performance clause in Verstappen’s current deal—allowing him to leave if he’s not in the championship’s top two at the summer break—has now activated, as he sits sixth in the standings after the Hungarian Grand Prix. The new offer from Red Bull reportedly includes a substantial pay increase and would remove this performance clause, securing Verstappen’s services until 2029.
The Dutchman’s management, led by Raymond Vermeulen, recently reiterated Verstappen’s desire to see out his contract with Red Bull, stating: “Max wants to finish his time with Red Bull. He has a contract until 2028 and would like to fulfil it. The fact that this clause exists doesn’t mean we’ll activate it.”
Amid the uncertainty, Verstappen has also been linked to a potential McLaren move, while Haas driver Ollie Bearman’s name has surfaced as a surprise candidate for a Red Bull seat. Bearman commented at Spa: “It’s quite flattering to hear things like that… to be connected with [Red Bull] in any way, even if it’s just rumours, is very nice.”
With the performance clause in play and Red Bull’s mega-deal on the table, Verstappen’s next move remains one of the biggest storylines of the F1 summer break.
