Max Verstappen has put an end to rumors about a potential move to Mercedes next season by confirming he will stay with Red Bull in 2026. However, the reigning world champion stopped short of committing to the full length of his contract, which runs until 2028.
Verstappen had been in discussions with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who openly expressed his interest in signing the four-time champion. The Dutch driver’s future has been a hot topic recently, but at the Hungarian Grand Prix, he made his position clear.
“It’s been interesting to see all the speculation and the stories that came out of it,” Verstappen said. “But I never really commented because I was focused on working with the team to improve our performance and plan for next year. Now it’s time to stop the rumors—I’ve always been clear that I’m staying. The team knew that too, because we were constantly discussing how to make the car better. If I wasn’t interested in staying, I wouldn’t have been having those conversations.”
Red Bull’s performance has declined over the past 18 months, frustrating Verstappen. While he secured his fourth title last season, the expected improvements this year haven’t materialized, and McLaren has emerged as the dominant force.
Next season will bring major regulation changes, including a new engine format, which could shake up the grid. Red Bull faces an added challenge as they develop their own power units for the first time.
Verstappen avoided confirming whether he would stay beyond 2026, when the impact of the new rules will be clearer. When asked if speculation about his future would resurface next year, he replied, “If you ask me that question next year, then yes. I don’t like talking about contracts—I’m more focused on performance.”
Reports suggested Verstappen had an exit clause allowing him to leave if he wasn’t in the top three by the summer break. After finishing fourth in Spa and holding a 28-point lead over George Russell, that condition won’t be met.
Verstappen has openly expressed frustration with Red Bull’s struggles, and the team recently made a major leadership change, replacing long-time team principal Christian Horner with Laurent Mekies. Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko cited performance issues as a key reason for the switch, stating, “It was a combination of factors, but performance was the main concern. Luckily, we were able to bring in Mekies from within the Red Bull family—his role will be more focused on racing.”
The comment hinted at a shift in priorities under the new leadership.There was a belief that Horner, in his dual role as team principal and CEO, might have lost focus on what Verstappen saw as the top priority: building a fast car. Verstappen’s recent public confirmation that he’ll stay with the team could be seen as validation of Horner’s removal, despite the turmoil it caused. The internal conflict has now settled, and Verstappen has expressed satisfaction with his new boss.
George Russell currently sits fourth in the drivers’ championship behind Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen.
“It’s still early, but I like how Laurent is working,” Verstappen said. “He’s very motivated, always asking the right questions—not just to me but to the whole team. It’s good to see.”
Meanwhile, Russell, whose Mercedes seat might have been in jeopardy if Verstappen had switched teams, is reportedly close to finalizing a new contract. “Talks have started, and we’re heading into the summer break,” he said. When asked if the only remaining question was the contract’s details, the British driver replied, “Yes, I suppose so.”
