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Chandhok surprised by long-term commitment in Verstappen's new Red Bull deal
Former Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok admits he did not expect Max Verstappen to lock himself into Red Bull until the end of the decade.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-08-20T20:19:01.000Z - 2 min read
Max Verstappen's decision to extend his stay with Red Bull through the 2030 season has sparked fresh paddock discussion regarding the reigning world champion's long-term competitive outlook. While the commitment secures the Dutch driver's services for the foreseeable future, the sheer duration of the agreement caught several observers off guard.
Among those expressing astonishment is former Formula 1 driver and television analyst Karun Chandhok. Speaking on the length of the contract, Chandhok noted that binding oneself to a single constructor for such an extended period represents a massive statement of faith, particularly given the volatile nature of the modern grid.
The eyebrow-raising timing of the agreement coincides with a challenging campaign for the Milton Keynes squad. Red Bull has frequently found itself operating with the fourth-fastest car on the current Formula 1 grid, a noticeable dip from the absolute dominance the outfit enjoyed in previous years.
Reflecting the team's current competitive struggles, Verstappen finds himself down in sixth position in the drivers' championship standings. The car's performance level this season makes the lengthy extension an intriguing gamble for a driver known for demanding immediate race-winning machinery.
Despite the current performance deficits, Chandhok suggests that the multi-year extension signals Verstappen's profound belief in Red Bull's internal direction. Specifically, the driver's willingness to commit long-term indicates confidence in the team's ambitious in-house power unit programme as Formula 1 prepares for its next major regulatory shift.
Developing a competitive engine entirely in-house is one of the most formidable technical challenges in motorsport. By tying his future to Red Bull Powertrains, Verstappen is effectively banking on the squad's ability to master the upcoming power unit regulations from scratch.
The contract extension effectively neutralizes persistent paddock speculation linking the championship leader to rival outfits over the coming seasons. Instead of testing the open market, Verstappen has chosen to anchor his career to the long-term success of the Red Bull enterprise.
Whether that immense gamble pays off will depend heavily on the squad's progress with the new power units and chassis designs. For now, the commitment stands as a bold declaration that Verstappen views his immediate and distant future firmly under the Red Bull banner.