Max Verstappen deal: Good news for Red Bull and F1, bad news for the driver market

Max Verstappen’s contract extension, confirmed Thursday in Zandvoort, is being framed as good news for Red Bull and Formula 1—while narrowing the driver market’s options. The deal increases the likelihood he remains a one-team driver beyond 2028, reducing the impact of his frequent public criticism of F1’s new “anti-racing” hybrid engine direction. Verstappen said he felt closer to retiring than switching teams, noting he does not see a need to leave Red Bull because he expects strong support from the team and knows they work “once he’s on the track.” The extension also strengthens Red Bull after a talent “brain drain,” including race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase joining McLaren no later than 2028.