Max Verstappen's contract extension comes as a surprise to many after he has time and again complained about the new rules and regulations put into place. However, he has opened up about why he decided to stay in the sport. 

On August 20th, Red Bull Racing announced that the Dutchman was staying with the team until 2030. It is no secret that Verstappen has been very vocal about his dissatisfaction about the 2026 power unit regulations which feature a near 50-50 split between electrical and traditional internal combustion power. 

After the contract extension announcement, Max Verstappen spoke to Sky Sports, during which he opened up about what convinced him to stay in the sport. 

"From my side, of course, you know, I adapted, I accept the situation that I think we're all in and just trying to make the best of that," Verstappen said during the interview. "I think also with the year that I signed to, it again opens up the door maybe when potentially the V8s come in to look at that again as well."

Verstappen was alluding to the possible return of the V8s to the sport in 2030. However, this time around the new engine will be built keeping in mind sustainable fuels and electrification.  

However, the four-time Formula One champion opened up about what has helped him accept the current state of the sport with the new rules and regulations. 

"It's what I said a bit before, where I accepted kind of the situation that we're in. Personally, of course, I'm not happy with it, but at the same time, with the discussions that I've had with F1 and FIA already trying to make little improvements for next year or the year after."

While the current rules and regulations haven't won him over, Verstappen has shown his willingness to stick with the promise of change and the potential return of V8.

"Still my family"- Max Verstappen opens up about his loyalty to Red Bull Racing

Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen have endured a difficult first half to the 2026 season, with just four podium finishes in the 11 races. Not just that, they also had to deal with a wave of high-profile departures which included Christian Horner, Helmut Marko and Adrian Newey. 

However, despite all of these changes, Max Verstappen has not felt the need to look anywhere else. While talking to Sky Sports in the aforementioned interview, he opened up about his decision to stay at the team. 

"A few names have left but, at the same time, it's still my family," Verstappen said in the interview. "I never felt that desire or need to change to another team, to try and win somewhere else. If I feel well within the team here, why should I? Because I know that they do everything for me and they know that I do everything for them once I'm on the track and trying to get the results." 

For Max Verstappen, the loyalty continues to outweigh the turbulence of a difficult season. 

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco