Max Verstappen has officially put an end to all speculation surrounding his Formula 1 future by confirming that he will remain with the Red Bull Racing Team in 2026. The reigning World Champion clarified the situation ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, making it clear that he has no intention of leaving the Milton Keynes-based team as the sport approaches a new regulatory era in 2026.
Verstappen clears up the uncertainty about his future
As Formula 1 nears its traditional summer break, this time of the year typically brings clarity regarding driver lineups for the following season. Among the most discussed topics in the paddock had been Max Verstappen’s possible move to another team, specifically Mercedes-AMG Petronas. However, that narrative has now been dismissed entirely. As previously suggested by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, Verstappen will remain part of the Red Bull team in 2026 and is expected to honour at least the next season of his long-term contract, which runs through the end of 2028.
In doing so, Verstappen has firmly denied all the rumours that suggested a secret agreement had already been made with Mercedes—rumours that hinged on a potential change of direction by the Brackley-based team’s leadership. Ultimately, it was always going to be Verstappen’s decision, and the Dutch driver has now made his intentions crystal clear. His choice to stay is not only a logical one, considering the uncertainty surrounding team performance under the upcoming 2026 technical regulations, but also a reflection of Red Bull Racing’s strong commitment to retaining him. The team has gone as far as parting ways with controversial Team Principal Christian Horner, a move interpreted by many as a signal of Red Bull’s willingness to do whatever it takes to keep its star driver onboard.
Verstappen’s statement from the Hungarian Grand Prix
Speaking to media gathered at the Hungaroring, including journalist Carlo Platella, Max Verstappen shared insight into his thinking. He explained that he had not previously addressed the situation publicly because his focus had been entirely on improving the car’s performance and preparing for next season:
“I never really said anything about it because I was solely focused on talking with the team about how we could improve our performance and on developing ideas for the future,” Verstappen explained. “But I believe now is the right time to put an end to all these rumours. For me, it has always been fairly clear that I was going to stay with Red Bull anyway.”
The Dutch driver added that his ongoing engagement with the technical side of the team reflected his intent to remain:
“I think this was also the general feeling within the team, because we were always in discussions about what we could do with the car. When you’re not interested in staying, you usually stop having those kinds of conversations—and I never stopped,” Max Verstappen continued.
When asked whether he expects similar speculation to arise again in a year’s time, Max Verstappen admitted that it is possible. However, he emphasized that he prefers to remain focused on results rather than contract negotiations:
“There may well be similar rumours again in 12 months. But I never talk about my contract, because I’m far more interested in working on the car’s performance.”
With this clear confirmation, Max Verstappen signals both his loyalty to Red Bull Racing and his ambition to remain at the top of the sport as Formula 1 enters a new chapter in 2026.
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