Tag: 2030

  • Norris commits future to McLaren

    Lando Norris has committed his future to McLaren after signing a new deal that will extend his stay at the British team until at least then end of 2030, with a multi-year option to commit beyond that date.

    The Briton joined McLaren in 2017 as a test and development driver before earning promotion to the grid as a race driver for 2019.

    The 26 year old has since gone on to win 13 Grand Prix victories, 19 pole positions and 49 podiums – as well as his maiden World Championship in 2025. Additionally he has now race in 165 Grands Prix for the team, more than any other McLaren driver in history.

    His previous deal is believed to have been set to expire at the end of 2027, but McLaren moved to lock him down for the foreseeable future with a fresh contract extension.

    By the end of the current agreement, Norris will be 31 and have spent 12 years with McLaren, matching the stint Lewis Hamilton achieved with Mercedes.

    Norris’ team mate Oscar Piastri, meanwhile, is contracted with McLaren up until the end of 2028, having signed a fresh deal ahead of the 2025 campaign. That gives McLaren stability for at least the next two Formula 1 campaigns.

    McLaren is my home, and I’m very pleased to be signing a new contract to keep me with the team until at least 2030. When I started this journey nine years ago, I was clear about the goals I wanted to achieve: to get McLaren back to the front and to win championships. We’ve achieved that goal, but we want more, we want to keep on winning, and we know as a team that we’re capable of achieving it. I can’t wait to get back in the car in Monza and I’m very excited about what the future holds for us, both over the rest of this season, and in the coming years.
    Norris on the news.

    I’m incredibly pleased to be signing a new contract with Lando, extending his commitment with McLaren until at least 2030. His journey with the team is a fantastic example of our commitment to identifying, developing and supporting world-class talent, and his achievements speak for themselves. Together with Andrea [Stella], Oscar [Piastri] and the wider team, Lando has helped drive McLaren into a new papaya era of success, helping us go from the back of the grid, to double consecutive constructors’ titles in 2024 and 2025 and our first Drivers’ Championship in 17 years. We are extremely excited about what lies ahead and remain fully focused on continuing to compete for wins and championships.
    Zak Brown on the news.

  • Verstappen signs contract extension

    Red Bull have announced that Max Verstappen has committed to a new deal that will see him race for the team through to 2030.

    The Dutchman first joined the Milton Keynes based outfit in 2016 in a mid-season promotion from sister team Toro Rosso (now named Racing Bulls) and has gone on to achieve a spectacular 71 victories and four Drivers’ Championship.

    His most recent triumph in 2024 was followed by McLaren clinching both titles last season, when a stunning comeback by Verstappen resulted in him losing out on a fifth championship by just two points to Lando Norris.

    However, Red Bull have dropped further down the order under the new regulations, leading to speculation that the 28 year old was beginning to explore options at other teams despite his previous contract lasting until 2028.

    The announcement, brings a definitive end to the rumours and highlights his belief that under the leadership of Laurent Mekies, Red Bull will return to race-winning ways sooner rather than later.

    I am really pleased with the contract extension. We have the best people and I’m excited to keep working together with everyone to get back to the top again. This remains the ultimate goal that all of us have been working towards and will continue to pursue. I want to thank Red Bull, Laurent and everyone at Oracle Red Bull Racing for the trust they put in me. I have always said it: The team is like a second family for me and I feel very at home. I came to the team hoping to be able to win races. What we went on to achieve together has been simply lovely and we have shared many incredible moments and won four World Championships. To continue this journey with the same team that I have been with my whole career is really special and something I have always wanted to do. Getting to work with Laurent now for over a year has also been great, I see a clear vision he has for the team. Everyone in Milton Keynes believes in what we are building and I am looking forward to the next chapter, fighting for more victories and competing for championships as we continue to shape the future of this team.
    Verstappen on the news.

    Having Max continue with us and retaining the best driver on the grid is fantastic news for everyone at Red Bull, Oracle Red Bull Racing, as well as F1 and motorsport as a whole. Very few partnerships in sport achieve what Max and this team have. Since the very beginning, Max has embodied everything that makes Oracle Red Bull Racing special: uncompromising competitiveness, relentless determination and the courage to challenge convention. His impact on our team and on Red Bull’s motorsport story has been transformational, and he has been fundamental to everything we have accomplished together. The decision to continue our journey together is rooted in the trust Max and the team have built over many years, as well as Max’s confidence in our people, our culture and our vision for the future. Forged through championship-winning success, intense battles and challenging moments alike, this relationship has only grown stronger – making it one of Formula One’s greatest success stories. But we are not done yet. There are more races to win, more milestones to achieve and more history to write. Together, we continue to raise the bar with the same determination that brought us to the top of the sport and an even greater faith in what we can achieve. Much will evolve as we move forward, but our ambition remains unchanged – united by one direction, one vision, one team.
    Mekies on signing Verstappen.

  • F1 to race in Azerbaijan until 2030

    Formula 1 has announced that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will remain on the race calendar for a further four years, securing the future of the event until 2030 inclusive.

    Located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, the six-kilometre Baku City Circuit tests drivers with a combination of tight, technical corners and wide, sweeping straights.
    As the circuit winds through the Icheri Sheher old town, the castle section hosts on of the narrowest turns on the F1 Calendar, which tests the drivers’ nerve and skills to the limit.

    The circuit debuted on the Formula 1 calendar in 2016 as the European Grand Prix, before becoming a permanent fixture on the calendar in 2017 as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
    In 2024, the race weekend welcomed fans from over 70 countries and delivered strong viewership figures, with a global TV audience of more than 66 million.

    With seven different winners across eight editions, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has become one of the most open contests on the calendar.

    There’s an incredible energy to the city of Baku and since our first Grand Prix here in 2016 Formula 1 has consistently received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the people of Azerbaijan. The circuit is unique, with technical sections and long straights that run through the stunning shoreline and historic old town, delivering an eventful and entertaining race every year. This renewal reflects the strong trust and commitment between Formula 1, the Azerbaijani Government, and the promoter, and paves the way for an exciting future in the country. I would like to thank President Ilham Aliyev and Minister Gayibov for their continued investment and commitment to evolving the event; Anar Alakbarov and the Azerbaijan Automobile Federation for championing Formula 1 in the country; and the team at Baku City Circuit for their year-round efforts in delivering an exceptional experience for our fans, drivers, and teams.
    Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1.

    The extension of our partnership with Formula 1 reflects the vision and direction of Azerbaijan’s leadership, ensuring that our country continues to stand as a global hub for major sporting events while leaving a lasting legacy of inspiration for future generations through the power of sport. Over the years, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has grown into one of the most anticipated races on the F1 calendar, showcasing not only thrilling on-track action but also the beauty, energy, and hospitality of our capital. This extension reaffirms our commitment to hosting world-class events and further strengthens Azerbaijan’s position on the international stage. Together, we will continue to present Baku as a vibrant, world-class sporting destination, welcoming fans from across the globe to experience both the excitement of Formula 1 and the unique spirit of our city and country.
    Dr Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

  • F1 to race in Shanghai until 2030

    Formula 1 has announced a five-year extension with the Chinese Grand Prix that will see the Shanghai International Circuit remain on the calendar through the 2030 season.

    The extension follows Formula 1’s successful return to China in 2024 after a five-year absence, where 200,000 fans attended the race to see Max Verstappen take victory in both the Sprint and the Grand Prix.

    In the 20 years since its first race, the 5.45km Shanghai International Circuit has established itself as a favourite of drivers and fans alike.
    The drivers relish the unique challenge the circuit provides, including the ever-tightening Turns 1 and 2, and high g-force Turns 7 and 8.

    Since Rubens Barrichello’s victory in the inaugural race, the Chinese Grand Prix has seen nine other winners, including six victories from Lewis Hamilton and two from Fernando Alonso from the current grid.

    This extension marks Formula 1’s continued growth in China as the sport’s popularity and audience continue to increase.
    The sport has seen its fanbase in China climb to over 150 million, with more than half of this group starting to follow Formula 1 in the last four years.

    The Chinese Grand Prix will be the second round on the 2025 calendar, taking place on March 21st – 23rd and will host the first F1 Sprint event of the season, as well as the first round of F1 Academy.

    Our return to China this season for the first time since 2019 was a fantastic moment for the sport, and it is incredible to see the levels of support that we enjoy in the country continuing to grow year-on-year. Shanghai is an incredible city, and the racetrack is a wonderful test for our drivers, so I am delighted that Formula 1 will continue its successful partnership with the Chinese Grand Prix for a further five years. I want to thank our promoter for their continued commitment and passion, and I look forward to returning to Shanghai in the new year.
    Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.

    For many years, Jiushi Group and our subsidiary, Juss Sports, have always adhered to our original intention to strive for the excellence in event organization, and this renewal is a testament to that. It is excellent news for fans in China and is a perfect platform to showcase Shanghai to the world as millions tune in on TV globally. Looking ahead, we will continue to work closely with all partners, further strengthen our engagement with international audiences through the event platform, consistently improve the event quality, and better present the city charm of Shanghai. We fully understand that a successful Grand Prix is not only an exciting race event, but also a driving force for the whole society to develop in a more positive direction. In the future, we will continue to optimize the event experience through innovation and achieve a sustainable contribution to the society.
    Guo Jianfei, Chairman of Shanghai Jiushi Co the promoter of the Chinese Grand Prix.

  • Zak Brown signs new contract with McLaren

    McLaren have confirmed that Zak Brown has extended his contract as the team’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with the new deal seeing him stay in the role until 2030.

    Brown first joined McLaren back in 2016 as the Executive Director of McLaren Technology Group before going on to become CEO in April 2018.

    Since assuming his position, Brown has overseen operations across all of McLaren’s race teams and has shaped the strategic direction of McLaren Racing, as well as driving the outfit’s marketing and commercial development.
    McLaren are now involved in IndyCar, Extreme E, Formula E and obviously Formula 1.

    The American has been crucial to the regeneration of the team including hiring a number of top-end staff such as Ferrari’s David Sanchez and Red Bull’s Rob Marshal. As well as opening their new windtunnel at their factory in Woking last year.

    Earlier this year, Brown secured the future of Lando Norris on a new multi-year deal, while Oscar Piastri is also tied down for many years to come.

    Zak has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and has been instrumental in driving McLaren Racing forward. His extension reflects our confidence in his ability to lead the team to even greater success in the years to come.

    Paul Walsh – McLaren Group’s Executive Chairman.

    I am thrilled to continue leading McLaren Racing and to be a part of such a historic race team. It is a privilege to work alongside the talented men and women across McLaren Racing’s different race series. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of motorsport and strive for the highest performance on and off the track.

    Brown on the news.
  • McLaren agree extension to use Mercedes power until 2030

    Mercedes-Benz have been a brilliant and reliable partner of the McLaren Formula 1 team. The extension signifies the confidence that our shareholders and the wider team have in their powertrains and the direction we’re taking with them into the new era of regulations ahead. We have been successful together, both in the last three seasons and when they previously powered the team, so we look forward to the success to come as we continue our journey to fight consistently at the front of the grid.

    Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO.

    We are pleased to confirm a long-term renewal of our power unit deal with Mercedes-Benz into the new era of regulations. We have great confidence in Mercedes and our relationship with them. They’ve supported our journey back to the front of the grid so far, and the security and stability this partnership brings is vital in ensuring we remain on this upward trajectory. I would like to thank them for their collaboration so far and we look forward to the years to come.

    Andrea Stella, McLaren Team Principal.

    It has been a cornerstone of our motorsport strategy to work with strong customer teams. This has many advantages. It gives a clear competitive benchmark, accelerates our technical learning, and strengthens the overall F1 business case for Mercedes-Benz. McLaren have been fierce and fair competitors since 2021, especially in the second half of this season. McLaren’s strong performances underline the importance of transparent and equal supply to all customer teams in the sport, if we wish to achieve the goal of 10 teams capable of fighting for podium finishes.

    Mercedes boss, Toto Wolff.
  • F1 to race in Sao Paulo until 2030

    I am delighted to announce we will be staying at Interlagos until 2030, and I can’t wait for many more years of the wonderful atmosphere that the Brazilian fans bring. Brazil has such a rich racing heritage, and this iconic circuit is a favourite of drivers and fans around the world. It embodies everything that is great about racing, and we look forward to seeing how it develops over the years to come to create an even better experience.

    Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1.

    The extension of the contract for the Formula 1 Grande Premio de Sao Paulo, broadcasted in approximately 180 countries, solidifies our city as a global leader in hosting major events with economic and social impact, generating jobs, revenue, and opportunities. Each year, we also advance our sustainability agenda, incorporating innovations to overcome challenges and bring more benefits to the city of Sao Paulo and Brazil.

    Ricardo Nunes, Mayor of Sao Paulo.

    It is a great honour to have the contract extension that ensures Sao Paulo’s place on the Formula 1 calendar. This is the recognition of the work we have been doing, with the crucial support of the Sao Paulo City Hall. Continuing to be a partner of Formula 1 is a matter of great pride. Now, we will immediately start planning for the years ahead so that we can have even better Grand Prix editions in the coming years.

    Alan Adler, CEO of Sao Paulo Grand Prix.