Red Bull reportedly offers Verstappen five-year deal – Red Bull is reportedly stepping up its efforts to keep Max Verstappen beyond the current Formula 1 cycle, with long-time journalist Ralf Bach claiming the team has put a new contract proposal on the table for the four-time world champion.
According to Bach, writing for F1-Insider, Red Bull has offered Verstappen a five-year contract that would keep him with the team until 2033. The reported proposal underlines the importance of retaining the Dutchman as Red Bull prepares for another major technical reset in 2027.
However, Verstappen’s willingness to commit to such a long-term agreement remains uncertain.
Verstappen could prefer a one-year commitment
Bach claims Verstappen may instead seek to retain greater flexibility over his future, with the possibility of signing only a one-year extension.
“If anything, he doesn’t want to sell his exit clause and will only sign a one-year contract,” the insider explained.
Such an arrangement would make 2027 a potentially decisive season for Red Bull. The team would need to demonstrate that its new-generation car is capable of fighting for championships before Verstappen considers making a longer-term commitment.
That puts additional pressure on Red Bull’s preparations for the next major regulatory era.
Red Bull needs a championship-winning car
Verstappen’s reported priority remains straightforward: he wants a car capable of fighting for the Formula 1 world championship.
The RB22 has shown enough pace to challenge at the front on several circuits this season, but Red Bull has not consistently demonstrated the superiority required to satisfy that demand. For Verstappen, another season without a genuine championship contender could have significant implications for his future.
According to F1-Insider, Red Bull has already decided to direct substantial financial and technical resources towards its 2027 project, the RB27.
The timing is significant. With the next major rules reset approaching, Red Bull sees the 2027 car as potentially crucial to convincing Verstappen that his long-term future remains with the team.
Verstappen’s value extends beyond the race track
Losing Verstappen would represent more than a major sporting setback for Red Bull.
Since joining the team, the Dutchman has become one of the company’s most recognisable global sporting figures. His presence contributes to Red Bull’s visibility, commercial appeal and ability to attract sponsors.
His departure could also make the team’s recruitment efforts more difficult. Red Bull would potentially have to convince leading engineers and technical personnel to remain with or join the organisation without the world’s most successful active driver at its centre.
For that reason, the reported five-year offer represents a significant attempt to protect Red Bull’s future.
Whether Verstappen accepts it, however, may ultimately depend on what the team produces for 2027 rather than the length or financial terms of the contract itself.
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