Max Verstappen has made it clear that Ferrari’s history and prestige are not enough to tempt him away from Red Bull, with the Dutchman insisting that winning remains the decisive factor when he considers his Formula 1 future.
The 29-year-old appears entirely comfortable with his current position after signing a lucrative Red Bull contract extension through 2030. The deal could reportedly rise to €115 million per year if performance bonuses are triggered, while the fixed portion is said to be at least €92 million, up from around €70 million under his previous agreement.
For Max Verstappen, the new contract strengthens a relationship with the team that has already delivered four consecutive Formula 1 world championships. It also follows his return to the top step of the podium at Sepang, where he ended an almost year-long wait for another victory.
Max Verstappen explains why Ferrari does not appeal to him
There was once considerable speculation about a possible move to Mercedes. At one stage last year, some suggestions even placed Max Verstappen close to replacing George Russell for the start of the 2026 season and partnering Kimi Antonelli. That possibility never materialised, and a switch to Ferrari now appears equally unattractive to the reigning multiple world champion.
Asked by the Press Association whether he might be tempted to follow the path of Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton by driving for Ferrari, Max Verstappen made his priorities unmistakable.
“I just want to win. I’m not a nostalgic person. I absolutely respect the brand. But if that means committing and finishing fifth or sixth, what is the point? I’m very results-oriented and I’ve already won a lot with this team. Red Bull is like a second family and the challenge of rebuilding is what motivates me.”
His words underline the contrast between Ferrari’s enormous appeal as a Formula 1 brand and the importance Max Verstappen places on immediate competitiveness. For him, driving for the Maranello team would only make sense if it offered a realistic route to fighting at the front.
Red Bull remains central to Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 future
Max Verstappen’s latest victory came in Malaysia, which on this occasion hosted the Bahrain Grand Prix. It was the 72nd win of his Formula 1 career, leaving only Lewis Hamilton on 106 and Michael Schumacher on 91 ahead of him on the all-time list.
By the end of the 2030 season, the final year of his current Red Bull contract, Max Verstappen will be 33. That would still make him relatively young compared with Fernando Alonso, who is set to be 46 when his recently extended Aston Martin deal reaches the end of 2027.
Even so, the possibility of Max Verstappen walking away from Formula 1 after 2030 appears genuine. He has already suggested that his current deal could be the final major chapter of his career.
Max Verstappen hints at retirement after 2030
Discussing whether he could remain in Formula 1 until the same age as Fernando Alonso, Max Verstappen explained that doing so would mean having dedicated more than half of his life to the championship, something he feels could ultimately be too much.
“I’ve extended my commitment for a few more years, then I’ll ask myself again: ‘Can I dedicate myself to this 100%?’ And if the answer is no, or if there are other interesting things that deserve more time, then maybe I won’t continue. I also want to spend more time at home and see my children grow up.”
For now, however, retirement remains a future consideration rather than an immediate concern. Max Verstappen is still under contract with Red Bull until 2030 and remains motivated by the task of rebuilding the team around him after already achieving sustained success there.
His stance also gives Ferrari a clear measure of what would be required to attract a driver of his calibre. History, status and the symbolism of racing in red carry obvious weight in Formula 1, but Max Verstappen has made it clear that, for him, performance comes first. The broader competitive picture between Ferrari and the rest of the grid can be followed through the Ferrari vs F1 Rivals statistics.
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