**VERSTAPPEN: BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FROM RED BULL**
*By James Wilson, F1 Correspondent*
*June 25, 2025*
—
**Milton Keynes, UK** – The Formula 1 world was sent into a frenzy this morning as Red Bull Racing dropped a bombshell announcement involving their star driver, Max Verstappen. In a press conference held at the team’s headquarters, team principal Christian Horner, alongside Verstappen and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, revealed a decision that will reshape the future of the reigning world champions.
### **The Announcement: Verstappen Extends Contract Until 2030**
The biggest news? Max Verstappen has signed a historic contract extension with Red Bull Racing, keeping him with the team until at least the end of the 2030 season. The deal, reportedly worth upwards of **€50 million per year**, makes the Dutchman the highest-paid driver in F1 history and cements his legacy as the face of Red Bull for years to come.
“This team is my family,” Verstappen said during the press conference. “We’ve achieved so much together, and I truly believe the best is yet to come. Red Bull has given me everything—the car, the support, and the belief to fight for championships. I’m not done winning yet.”
The announcement ends months of speculation about Verstappen’s future, with rumors linking him to moves to Mercedes or even a shock switch to Ferrari. But in the end, loyalty won out.
### **Why Did Verstappen Stay?**
Sources within Red Bull suggest that Verstappen’s decision was influenced by several key factors:
1. **Unmatched Performance** – Since the 2022 regulation changes, Red Bull has dominated the sport, with Verstappen securing three consecutive world championships (2022, 2023, 2024). The team’s technical brilliance, led by Adrian Newey’s continued involvement, ensures they remain the benchmark in F1.
2. **Long-Term Project** – Red Bull has reportedly promised Verstappen a leading role in the team’s future, including input on car development and even potential involvement in their hypercar program.
3. **No Clear Alternative** – With Lewis Hamilton retiring at the end of 2024 and Mercedes still struggling to match Red Bull’s pace, there was no obvious team that could offer Verstappen a better chance at winning.
### **What Does This Mean for F1?**
Verstappen’s extension sends shockwaves through the paddock:
– **Mercedes’ Dilemma** – With George Russell as their lead driver, Mercedes must now look elsewhere for a long-term superstar. Could they pursue Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc or take a gamble on young Andrea Kimi Antonelli?
– **Ferrari’s Missed Opportunity** – The Scuderia had been quietly preparing a mega-offer for Verstappen in 2026. Now, they must stick with Leclerc and Carlos Sainz or seek another marquee name.
– **Red Bull’s Domination Continues?** – If Newey stays and Honda’s 2026 power unit delivers, Verstappen could be on track to challenge Lewis Hamilton’s record of seven world titles.
### **Verstappen’s Legacy: The Greatest of All Time?**
At just 27 years old, Verstappen already has **four world championships** (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) and over **60 Grand Prix wins**. If he maintains this trajectory, he could surpass Hamilton’s records before his new contract even expires.
“Max is a once-in-a-generation talent,” said Horner. “His hunger, his racecraft, his ability to extract everything from the car—he’s the complete package. We’re thrilled he’s staying to write more history with us.”
### **What’s Next for Red Bull?**
With Verstappen locked in, attention now turns to his teammate. Sergio Pérez’s contract expires at the end of 2025, and Red Bull has several options:
– **Promote from Within** – Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar are waiting in the wings at sister team VCARB.
– **A Blockbuster Signing** – Could they lure Lando Norris away from McLaren? Or even tempt Fernando Alonso for one last hurrah?
One thing is certain: Red Bull’s future is secure with Verstappen at the wheel.
### **Final Thoughts**
Today’s announcement is more than just a contract extension—it’s a statement. Red Bull and Verstappen are determined to dominate F1 for the rest of the decade. For rival teams, the message is clear: catching them just got even harder.
As Verstappen himself put it: **“The mission isn’t over. We’re just getting started.”**
—
*Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. Follow us for the latest F1 news and analysis.*
**#VerstappenStays #RedBullRacing #F12025 #MaxVerstappen #F1News**