With big regulation changes coming in 2026 and lots of talk about top drivers possibly switching teams, there's a lot of interest in Verstappen’s contract.

This article gives you the latest on Max Verstappen’s contract, including:

• When his contract actually ends

• The details of his deal with Red Bull

• The story behind his exit clause

• How the 2026 rules could impact his future

• What might happen when his contract is up

Max Verstappen Contract End Date

Max Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull Racing until the end of the 2028 Formula 1 season.

Here's what that means:

• He has a contract through 2028, covering the 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028 seasons.

• His current agreement ends after the 2028 season.

• Unless something changes in his contract, he won't be a free agent until 2029.

This is one of the longest contracts currently in Formula 1.

When Did Max Verstappen Sign His Current Contract?

Verstappen signed his current long-term deal with Red Bull Racing in early 2022, not long after grabbing his first World Championship.

Key Contract Details

Back then, everyone said the deal was a statement contract, meant to keep Red Bull's best driver locked in for years.

Why Max Verstappen’s Contract Is So Important

Verstappen's contract is a big deal for a few reasons:

• He has won multiple World Championships.

• Red Bull's current success depends on him.

• F1 is getting new engine rules in 2026

• The best teams are planning for driver changes after 2025.

• His contract impacts driver choices, team plans, and how confident manufacturers are in F1..

Does Max Verstappen Have Exit Clauses?

Sure, context is key.

Like most top-tier F1 deals, Verstappen's contract includes exit clauses based on performance. Normally, these clauses relate to:

• Championship standings

• Team competition

• Car performance levels

But, because Verstappen has consistently won championships, many of the initial exit conditions probably don't apply anymore.

Key Point

An exit clause isn't a get-out-of-jail-free card. Certain things have to happen for it to work, and right now, it doesn't look like they are.

How the 2026 F1 Regulations Affect Verstappen’s Contract

Formula 1 is hitting a major shift in 2026 with a few key changes:

• New hybrid engines

• Fuel that's completely sustainable

• More electrical power

• Audi is joining the party

Having Verstappen committed past 2026 gives Red Bull:

• Driver consistency for the long haul

• Stability when regulations change

• Assurance for engine work

Strategically, knowing their main driver is set as they start something new is a big plus for Red Bull.

Could Max Verstappen Leave Red Bull Before 2028?

Technically: Yes
Realistically: Unlikely

Here are three realistic situations where Verstappen might leave Red Bull sooner than expected:

1. Red Bull's performance drops way off.

2. There's serious drama among the team's leaders.

3. The engine rules change in 2026 cause big problems.

Right now, none of these things seem likely to happen anytime soon.

What Happens After Max Verstappen’s Contract Ends?

If Max Verstappen sees out his Red Bull contract to 2028, he'll have some interesting options:

• He could stay with Red Bull.

• He could jump to a different Formula 1 team.

• He could negotiate a record-breaking F1 contract.

• He might even look at racing opportunities outside of F1.

Because he will not be too old by 2029, his next deal will be a big deal in racing.

Max Verstappen Contract vs Other Top Drivers

Verstappen's contract is notable because it's long and shows a strong, lasting commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does Max Verstappen's contract end?

   Max Verstappen's deal with Red Bull Racing runs until the close of the 2028 Formula 1 season.

   
   

2. Will Max Verstappen be a free agent in 2026?

   No, his contract covers 2026, 2027, and 2028.

   
   

3. Can Max Verstappen leave Red Bull sooner?

   Yes, but only if certain performance targets aren't met.

   
   

4. Why did Red Bull make it such a long contract?

   They wanted to keep their champion driver and keep other teams from getting him. The long deal covers a few rule changes in Formula 1.

Final Summary

Max Verstappen isn't going anywhere. He's staying with Red Bull for a while.

Here’s why:

• His Formula 1 contract lasts until the end of 2028.

• He'll be there for the big rule changes in 2026.

• Red Bull has things locked down for the long haul.

• Other teams can't really try to get him.

So, unless something crazy happens, Verstappen will be Red Bull Racing’s main guy for years to come.