Red Bull pays up big, signs Max Verstappen to historic $538 million contract to 2030

SportsRed Bull pays up big, signs Max Verstappen to historic $538 million contract to 2030By Zaeem Basir-Aug 22, 2026Add ARY News on GoogleAAResizeFour-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is staying at Oracle Red Bull Racing for the long haul, inking a mega-money contract extension through the end of the 2030 season. News reports from credible F1 sources detail that the deal is the richest ever in motorsport history, featuring guaranteed base pay along with performance incentives that could elevate the contract’s value to an astonishing $538 million over its four-year stretch. Max Verstappen has just reset the pay scale for Formula 1 drivers with his massive extension signed at Red Bull. It’s confirmed that the four-time world champion will be with the team until the end of the 2030 season, significantly longer than the standard 2-3 year deal common throughout F1 grids. In base pay alone, starting in 2027, he’s set to make an estimated $107 million per year, well more than twice the salary of the league’s other leading drivers who currently earn between $45-$55 million a season. The total package, once including bonuses, could take him up to $134 million per year – an increase over the previous top of around $60-70 million a season for other elites. In total, it’s estimated to be the single biggest driver payday in F1 history, valued at a maximum of $538 million. Why Red Bull Secured Verstappen Long-Term By locking up Verstappen through 2030, Red Bull ends speculation and fends off potential overtures from rival teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin in advance of major engine and chassis regulation changes coming to F1. This decision not only ensures continuity with their star driver, but it also helps stabilize the team as they transition into fully utilizing their own Red Bull Ford Powertrains engine technology. Team leadership emphasized keeping Verstappen remains central to their overall technical and competitive road map for the foreseeable future. Here...