Max Verstappen-Red Bull contract extension details explained

Jos Verstappen has admitted that his son's decision to extend his Red Bull contract until the end of 2030 was far from straightforward.

Max Verstappen's future had been the subject of months of speculation, with a possible move away from the Milton Keynes-based team, or even retirement, understood to have been on the table. 

The four-time world champion has been openly critical of the sport's new regulations, but he has nonetheless committed his future to Red Bull for years to come.

Jos Verstappen has now given his take on what swayed his son's thinking, speaking to PlaySports.

"It's not so much about having a say or having an impact," said the Red Bull driver's father.

"I think it's about restoring calm. Max also just feels really good at Red Bull. They've been there from the start of his career, and we've been with them."

"It felt right to stay. We hope they'll be more competitive again next year and that we can compete for wins again."

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Jos was asked how hard it is to commit to a team that is not currently performing at its best, something his son has been experiencing with Red Bull.

"It's a difficult choice, but we also know what's happening behind the scenes with the [Red Bull] engine," added the 54-year-old. 

"And you also have to look at what possibilities there might be at other teams. That's why we decided to stay."

Verstappen senior credited Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies with playing a positive role in the decision.

"I think Laurent is really a very positive person," he continued. "A nice guy who's also open to communication. I think that's very important. Team bosses who have a background as an engineer understand more about what's going on with the car and within the team. That's a positive thing."

Loyalty, Jos believes, will ultimately count for more than switching to a winning team elsewhere.

"If we can get the team back on track and winning again, that will have more impact than if he had decided to go to another team that was already winning, to continue that next year," Jos said.

"I think it's more beautiful to build it up again and see if you can build a winning car once more."