Verstappen ends speculation by signing extension with Red Bull until 2030

[p][b]"Four more years of full send. We are delighted to announce that Max has signed a contract extension with the team until the end of 2030," [/b]Red Bull said on X, formerly Twitter.[/p][p]The news came with preparations in full swing for Verstappen's home race, the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, and will delight his thousands of orange-clad fans.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/verstappen-max/UV3mgeXB/"]Verstappen[/a] is one of the most successful Formula 1 drivers of all time, dominating the sport with four consecutive world championships from 2021.[/p][embed guid="aeddc1e5-4155-4fc5-8828-5f9d82afe328" url="https://x.com/redbullracing/status/2090333003020988587" social-type="twitter" /][p]But results have been harder to come by this season, with the 28-year-old failing to see a chequered flag in the first half of the year and sitting sixth in the drivers' championship.[/p][p][b]"This commitment is about more than continuing an already extraordinary alliance,"[/b] the team said in its statement.[/p][p][b]"It is a powerful statement of mutual trust and ambition - and a shared decision to shape the future together."[/b][/p][p]The uncompetitive nature of the Red Bull car this year has led many to speculate that the mercurial Dutchman could switch to another team or even leave Formula 1 entirely.[/p][p]But Verstappen said he was keen to get the team back to winning ways.[/p][p][b]"We have the best people, and I'm excited to keep working together with everyone to get back to the top again,"[/b] he was quoted as saying.[/p][embed guid="8a34d6bc-fdd4-483f-865d-f714652effac" url="https://x.com/redbullracing/status/2090338171246543152" social-type="twitter" /][p]The news adds even more spice to the last-ever edition of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.[/p][p]Verstappen was unbeatable on his home track, winning the first three editions since it was reintroduced to the circuit in 2021.[/p][p]But he has since been chasing McLaren in his own backyard, with Papaya drivers [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/norris-lando/WSVABbVF/"]Lando Norris[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/piastri-oscar/MqKAIeUf/"]Oscar Piastri[/a] claiming the last two races.[/p][p]Verstappen is expected to don a special helmet for the occasion, inspired by the famous blue Delft pottery.[/p][p]The promoters decided not to continue racing at Zandvoort, partly due to uncertainty over Verstappen's future given his importance for the popularity of the event.[/p][p][b]"I have always said it: The team is like a second family for me, and I feel very at home,"[/b] said Verstappen.[/p][p][b]"I came to the team hoping to be able to win races. What we went on to achieve together has been simply lovely,"[/b] added Verstappen, using his trademark phrase.[/p]