(Motorsport-Total.com) – Max Verstappen has committed to Red Bull long-term – and this is exactly what surprises Sky expert Karun Chandhok. It is not the contract extension itself that is surprising, but especially its duration: Verstappen signed until the end of 2030, significantly longer than Chandhok had expected.
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“I am a bit surprised by the length. That he commits to them does not surprise me,” explains the former Formula 1 driver. He had actually expected a confirmation of the previous contract running until the end of 2028.
That Verstappen has now signed for another four years, Chandhok interprets as a clear signal: The four-time world champion believes in the long-term potential of the Red Bull project.
This is by no means a given considering the current sporting situation. Red Bull will no longer be the dominant team of past years in 2026. Verstappen is currently only sixth in the drivers’ championship, while Red Bull only fields the fourth fastest car in many races.
Chandhok: Verstappen buys into the long-term perspective
That is exactly why Chandhok sees an important message in the contract duration. Verstappen apparently did not just evaluate the current performance, but especially the development Red Bull has shown in recent months. “They apparently convinced him that the long-term potential is better than what we see this year,” says Chandhok.
The view of the recent races probably helped. Verstappen was on the podium twice in a row recently. For Red Bull, this is not yet a return to the top, but the development apparently gives the Dutchman reason for hope. “If you look at the last two Grands Prix, he had two podiums. Immediately the team has momentum,” explains Chandhok.
This momentum is exactly what Verstappen needed. The world champion did not demand that Red Bull become unbeatable overnight. Rather, he wanted to see that the team is moving in the right direction.
Red Bull engine as a decisive factor
A particularly important point for Chandhok is Red Bull’s new engine project. Together with Ford, the team is developing its own power unit for the first time – a huge step for a team that has so far relied on Renault and then Honda technology.
“Building their own engine at Red Bull is incredible work, considering where they come from,” emphasizes Chandhok. For Verstappen, this project likely played a central role in his decision. Because the new engine generation is not just a technical detail, but could completely change the balance of power in Formula 1 in the long term.
“He wanted to see improvements in the power unit. He wanted to see improvements from the team,” says Chandhok. And this development is exactly what the Sky expert believes he has recognized. “If you look at where they started the season and where they are now – if you consider this development, that is probably what he is betting on.”
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Why Verstappen turns his back on Mercedes and McLaren
This also gives a new perspective to the months-long speculation about Verstappen’s future. In the meantime, there was intense discussion about whether the Dutchman could leave Red Bull.
Mercedes was considered a possible buyer if an opportunity arose there. McLaren was also discussed as a potential destination. A move to either of the two teams would have given Verstappen the chance to immediately join another title project.
Instead, he chose the long-term path with Red Bull. This is particularly remarkable because the current sporting condition did not necessarily argue for staying.
Chandhok: “This should have been a big Silly Season”
Verstappen’s decision also has significant consequences for the driver market. Chandhok had expected a completely different dynamic. “We always love a good story, a bit of unrest in Formula 1,” he says. At times, it looked as if Verstappen would be the trigger for a spectacular “Silly Season.”
For example, McLaren could have faced the difficult decision of removing one of their established drivers for Verstappen. Significant changes would also have been conceivable at Mercedes due to a possible move by the Dutchman.
“There were talks about him to McLaren, Piastri out – and then maybe Mercedes, where Russell or Antonelli would have been at risk,” Chandhok describes the scenarios. A Verstappen move could have triggered a chain reaction across the entire driver market.
More than half the field already settled for 2027
Verstappen’s extension followed shortly after contract decisions at Williams. Carlos Sainz is also staying with the team beyond the 2026 season, while Alexander Albon has extended his contract for 2027.
Thus, more than half of the current Formula 1 field is already contractually bound for the 2027 season. The big domino effect many expected from a possible Verstappen move is therefore not happening.
“It could have been a huge story,” says Chandhok. “But apparently it won’t be such a ‘Silly Season’ after all. Back to the drawing board.” For Red Bull, however, the result is far more important than the excitement on the driver market.
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