Max Verstappen extends Red Bull deal amid team upgrade discussions
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Oct 17, 2026, 8:17 AM
Last updated Oct 17, 2026
Max Verstappen's contract with Red Bull has been extended by two years, confirming a long-term partnership. This announcement comes after Verstappen's recent strong performances, including close finishes and victories in Malaysia and Singapore. The upgrade at the Baku race has drastically changed Red Bull's competitiveness, shifting from fourth place at the start of the season to fighting for wins. Verstappen has stated he didn't know the full impact of the upgrade when signing, emphasizing his confidence in the team's direction and future potential.
- •Verstappen came close to victory in Baku and won in Malaysia and Singapore.
- •Red Bull struggled earlier this season, positioned fourth at times.
- •Verstappen's deal is now extended for two more years.
- •Team principal Laurent Mekies mentioned upgrades were anticipated but not guaranteed to convince Verstappen.
- •The Baku upgrade improved the car's predictability and performance.
- 8:17 AMAutosport — What Verstappen knew about Red Bull’s big upgrade when he signed his new F1 deal
- 8:15 AMYahoo Sports — Did Max Verstappen already know the impact of Red Bull’s big upgrade when he signed his new deal?
- 8:15 AMMotorsport.com — Did Max Verstappen already know the impact of Red Bull’s big upgrade when he signed his new deal?
"While Max Verstappen was still seriously considering the possibility of ending this Formula 1 season without winning a single race at Monza, things now look considerably different. Verstappen came remarkably close to victory in Baku before actually coming out on top in the subsequent races of the triple-header in Malaysia and Singapore. It marks a huge contrast with the beginning of this ...Keep reading
"While Max Verstappen was still seriously considering the possibility of ending this Formula 1 season without winning a single race at Monza, things now look considerably different. Verstappen came remarkably close to victory in Baku before actually coming out on top in the subsequent races of the triple-header in Malaysia and Singapore. It marks a huge contrast with the beginning of this ...Keep reading
"Red Bull has made a huge step forward since Baku, although Verstappen and team principal Laurent Mekies stress that the extended partnership is primarily based on confidence in the longer term
Sources
External links- AutosportOct 17, 2026, 8:17 AMWhat Verstappen knew about Red Bull’s big upgrade when he signed his new F1 deal
While Max Verstappen was still seriously considering the possibility of ending this Formula 1 season without winning a single race at Monza, things now look considerably different. Verstappen came remarkably close to victory in Baku before actually coming out on top in the subsequent races of the triple-header in Malaysia and Singapore. It marks a huge contrast with the beginning of this ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsOct 17, 2026, 8:15 AMDid Max Verstappen already know the impact of Red Bull’s big upgrade when he signed his new deal?
Red Bull has made a huge step forward since Baku, although Verstappen and team principal Laurent Mekies stress that the extended partnership is primarily based on confidence in the longer term
- Motorsport.comOct 17, 2026, 8:15 AMDid Max Verstappen already know the impact of Red Bull’s big upgrade when he signed his new deal?
While Max Verstappen was still seriously considering the possibility of ending this Formula 1 season without winning a single race at Monza, things now look considerably different. Verstappen came remarkably close to victory in Baku before actually coming out on top in the subsequent races of the triple-header in Malaysia and Singapore. It marks a huge contrast with the beginning of this ...Keep reading
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