Max Verstappen drives for Red Bull Racing

Max Verstappen currently drives for Red Bull Racing, the team that has employed him since 2016. He competes in the number 1 car — the lead driver position — and has won three world championships with the team: 2021, 2022, and 2023. Red Bull Racing is owned by Austrian energy drink company Red Bull and is based in Milton Keynes, England.

Verstappen signed his most recent contract extension with Red Bull in 2022, which runs through the 2026 season. This makes him one of the longest-tenured drivers on the current grid and gives Red Bull stability in its lead driver position through the next regulation cycle.

Key Takeaways

  • Verstappen has driven for Red Bull Racing since 2016 and currently holds the number 1 car position.
  • He has won three world championships with Red Bull: 2021, 2022, and 2023.
  • His current contract with Red Bull extends through the 2026 F1 season.
  • Red Bull Racing is based in Milton Keynes, England, and is owned by the Red Bull energy drink company.
  • Before joining Red Bull, Verstappen drove for Toro Rosso (2015) and briefly for BMW Sauber in junior categories.

Verstappen's path to Red Bull Racing

Verstappen began his F1 career with Toro Rosso in 2015 at age 17, making him the youngest driver ever to start an F1 race. Toro Rosso is Red Bull's sister team — both are owned by the same parent company — and served as his entry point into the sport. He spent one season there before being promoted to the main Red Bull team in 2016.

His early performances at Toro Rosso impressed Red Bull's leadership enough to move him up after just four races into the 2016 season. This rapid promotion was unusual at the time, but Verstappen's results justified it. He has remained with Red Bull ever since, becoming the team's primary driver and the face of the organization.

Red Bull Racing's structure and Verstappen's teammates

Red Bull Racing fields two cars in every race: the number 1 car (Verstappen) and the number 2 car (the second driver). The second driver role has rotated through several pilots over Verstappen's tenure. His teammates have included Daniel Ricciardo (2016–2018), Pierre Gasly (2019), Alex Albon (2019–2020), Sergio Pérez (2021–present), and others.

The number 1 and number 2 designations reflect team hierarchy. Verstappen, as the championship-winning lead driver, receives priority in strategy calls and resource allocation. His teammate supports the team's overall championship effort but operates with fewer strategic advantages. This structure is standard across all F1 teams.

Championship wins and records with Red Bull

Verstappen's three world championships with Red Bull represent a dominant period in modern F1. His 2021 championship came down to a final-lap decision in Abu Dhabi against Lewis Hamilton, one of the most controversial finishes in F1 history. His 2022 and 2023 championships were more dominant, with Verstappen winning multiple races and building large points leads.

Beyond championships, Verstappen holds the record for most race wins in a single season (19 wins in 2022, later broken by his own record of 20 wins in 2023). He has also set records for consecutive podium finishes and points scored in a season. These achievements have made him one of the most successful drivers in Red Bull's history.

Red Bull's technical and strategic approach

Red Bull Racing is known for aggressive pit-stop strategy and innovative car design. The team has won multiple constructors' championships and is considered one of the top three teams on the grid alongside Ferrari and Mercedes. Red Bull's success under team principal Christian Horner has made it an attractive destination for top drivers.

The team's technical director and engineering staff work closely with Verstappen to develop the car throughout each season. Red Bull uses data from both its cars — Verstappen's and his teammate's — to inform upgrades and setup changes. This collaborative approach has contributed to the team's competitive edge.

Contract details and future outlook

Verstappen's contract with Red Bull runs through 2026, which aligns with F1's next major regulation change. F1 introduces new technical rules every few years, and 2026 marks the beginning of a new era. By keeping Verstappen locked in through 2026, Red Bull ensures continuity during this transition period.

Contract negotiations in F1 are typically confidential, so the exact financial terms of Verstappen's deal are not public. However, as a three-time world champion driving for a top team, Verstappen is among the highest-paid drivers on the grid. His salary, bonuses, and benefits package reflect his status as one of F1's marquee talents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Verstappen ever driven for any other F1 team besides Red Bull?

Yes. Verstappen drove for Toro Rosso in 2015, his first F1 season. Toro Rosso is Red Bull's sister team and operates under the same parent company. He moved to the main Red Bull Racing team in 2016 and has remained there since.

What is the difference between Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso?

Both teams are owned by Red Bull, but Red Bull Racing is the primary team with more resources and better equipment. Toro Rosso (now called AlphaTauri) serves as a junior team where younger drivers gain experience before potentially moving to Red Bull Racing. Verstappen followed this path in 2015–2016.

When does Verstappen's contract with Red Bull end?

Verstappen's current contract runs through the 2026 F1 season. This aligns with the start of F1's next technical regulation cycle. Red Bull has not announced plans beyond 2026, so his future after that date remains undetermined.

How many championships has Verstappen won with Red Bull?

Verstappen has won three world championships with Red Bull: 2021, 2022, and 2023. He drives the number 1 car, which is the lead driver position at the team. His 2021 championship was decided on the final lap of the season in Abu Dhabi.