Verstappen's new deal didn't surprise Stroll: 'I assume he makes a lot'

Lance Stroll wasn't surprised by Max Verstappen's decision to commit to Red Bull Racing until the end of 2030. When asked by GPblog, the Aston Martin driver joked that he assumes Verstappen is making a lot of money, drawing laughter. But beyond the contract, Stroll shared a more serious hope: that F1 brings back cars that are genuinely fun to drive.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's long-term deal secures Red Bull's future and keeps the sport's biggest star in place for years. Yet Stroll's comments add to a growing chorus of drivers who feel the current generation of cars lacks the thrill of previous eras. That sentiment could shape how F1 approaches future regulation changes.

The details:

• Stroll said he wasn't surprised by Verstappen's extension, citing the financial aspect as an obvious factor.
• He also expressed a desire for "good Formula 1 cars" to return soon, echoing Verstappen's own criticism of the current machinery.
• Less fun to drive: Stroll, who has driven multiple regulation eras, said the current cars give less pleasure, adrenaline, and grip compared to the past.
• Technical reasons: He noted that a lot of downforce had to be removed to support the batteries and hybrid systems, contributing to the different feel.

What's next:

With Verstappen locked in until 2030, the focus shifts to whether F1's next set of regulations can deliver the more exciting, driver-friendly cars that Stroll and others are hoping for. The 2026 rules overhaul will be a key test.