"I think I was closer to retiring than changing team," Verstappen said after putting his name to a new Red Bull deal that runs until 2030. The 28-year-old, a four-time world champion, commits at a low point: he is still without a win this season, and Red Bull trail the pace set by leaders Mercedes. His frustration at how much the engines rely on electrical power has been compounded by two big crashes traced to rear-wing failures, while the departures of Christian Horner and Adrian Newey have raised the tension inside the team. Yet the new team principal, Laurent Mekies, has placed strategic decisions entirely in the champion's hands. Ultimately, the agreement seals the longest partnership in Formula 1 history, 15 seasons, and marks the start of a new era at Red Bull.