Max Verstappen has dispelled rumors of a surprise move to Mercedes in 2026 by reaffirming his contract with Red Bull Racing ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. The four-time world champion, who is contracted until the end of 2028, confirmed his intention to remain with the team with which he has secured consecutive titles since 2021.
Earlier speculation suggested Verstappen might pursue a performance-related break clause in his contract if Red Bull placed lower than third in the championship standings by the end of July. However, Verstappen entered the Budapest race holding a solid 28-point lead over fourth-placed George Russell, the Mercedes driver he might have replaced.
Verstappen Addresses Persistent Transfer Speculation
Verstappen addressed the swirling rumors directly, stressing that much of the speculation is unwarranted.
“The thing is, people are waffling so much throughout the whole season while the only one that actually can or should speak is not speaking,”
he said. He added that some people enjoy stirring controversy, but his plans with Red Bull have always been clear.
He emphasized that discussions about the future, including the upcoming season, are already underway with Red Bull’s management.
“I’m discussing with the team already the plans, the things that we want to change next year, so that means I’m also staying with the team for next year, and if my boat is next to Toto’s, then the boat is next to Toto’s.”
This remark hints at his continued working relationship with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
Verstappen also reflected on the nature of professional relationships, stating,
“You can have a personal relationship with someone even if you don’t have a working relationship with someone.”
Impact of Team Leadership Changes on Verstappen’s Decision
Speculation about Verstappen’s potential departure coincided with significant changes within Red Bull Racing’s leadership. Christian Horner, a long-serving team boss and CEO, was replaced amid ongoing uncertainty following the death of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022.
The arrival of Peter Mekies, known for his focus on the race team’s operational efficiency rather than broad organizational roles, seems to have strengthened Verstappen’s confidence in the team’s direction. Verstappen praised Mekies, saying,
“He’s very friendly, he’s very open, very motivated, very driven,”
and expressed optimism about their future together.
“That’s of course what you want to see from a boss, and I like it. It’s a nice atmosphere that he is creating, and I’m very excited for the future, what we can do together.”
Verstappen also noted Mekies’s growing influence on car development,
“Of course, for this year, the amount of influence with the car is difficult. You jump in the middle of the season but of course, for the future, you have a lot more say and influence on that. He’s asking, for me at least, the right questions and ideas. I like it.”
George Russell’s Uncertain Future at Mercedes
Verstappen’s decision to stay at Red Bull is a relief for George Russell, whose current Mercedes contract expires at the end of this season. The British driver, who matured through a long apprenticeship at Williams before joining Mercedes in 2022, was reportedly at risk of being displaced if Verstappen had made a switch.
Russell has established himself as Mercedes’ lead driver and outperformed former teammate Lewis Hamilton during their time together, raising questions about Mercedes’ long-term driver plans. Similar to how Ferrari’s recent signing of Lewis Hamilton displaced Carlos Sainz, Mercedes could face tough choices in their future lineup.
The complexity increases with the presence of promising talent like Kimi Antonelli at Ferrari and Charles Leclerc’s continued status as their lead driver, making seat changes challenging without considerable performance gaps.
Comparisons to Past Driver Moves and Regulation Changes
The potential Verstappen-to-Mercedes scenario echoes Hamilton’s arrival at Mercedes in 2013, a year before the hybrid engine regulations revolutionized Formula 1. Mercedes dominated the hybrid era, and Verstappen’s interest in Mercedes may have been influenced by anticipated engine changes in 2026.
Nevertheless, Verstappen’s choice to remain signals trust in Red Bull’s ambitious internal power unit program, set for 2026 with significant backing from Ford. This program represents uncharted territory for Red Bull, which has never manufactured its own engine before.
The shift in leadership at Red Bull might have played a role in revitalizing Verstappen’s confidence in the team’s future competitiveness, countering any doubts he might have had about the power unit development.
Future Contract Questions Cast Uncertainty on Mercedes Line-up
Although Verstappen’s position at Red Bull appears secured for the near term, questions loom over George Russell’s next contract with Mercedes. If renewed, the duration of any extension remains uncertain, with possibilities ranging from a short-term 1+1 deal to a longer commitment.
Russell may evaluate his potential as a multi-race winner in open market discussions for 2027 if his contract offers are limited, especially if Mercedes continues to pursue Verstappen aggressively. This dynamic sets the stage for a tense period of negotiations amid evolving competition.
As the 2026 regulatory overhaul approaches, the performance of next-generation cars remains unknown, adding further intrigue to driver decisions and team strategies throughout the sport.
