Red Bull Extends Verstappen Contract and Names New Junior Program Director

Red Bull is reported to have offered Max Verstappen a contract extension through 2029, removing exit clauses and including a significant pay rise. The four‑time world champion, whose current deal runs until the end of 2028, would stay with the team past the usual expiry date, addressing speculation about his future after a lackluster start to the season.

Separately, the team announced that Gwen Lagrue will become director of the Red Bull Junior Program from the 2027 season, succeeding Helmut Marko. Lagrue, who spent more than a decade at Mercedes, praised the role and the program's legacy while Team Principal Laurent Mekies highlighted his talent‑development expertise.

Both moves underline Red Bull’s strategy to secure its lead driver and strengthen its driver‑development pipeline ahead of upcoming seasons.