Following persistent rumours of a possible move to Mercedes, Helmut Marko has confirmed that Max Verstappen will remain with Red Bull for the 2026 Formula 1 season. As the sport prepares for significant regulatory changes in 2026, Verstappen’s continuation with Red Bull ensures stability for the team going into this transitional period.
Marko, Red Bull’s senior advisor, put an end to ongoing speculation by publicly confirming Verstappen’s contract extends through 2026, despite earlier reports suggesting the Dutch driver might activate an exit clause in his deal.
Verstappen Contract Rumours and Mercedes Link Addressed
Rumours about Verstappen leaving Red Bull in favor of Mercedes resurfaced during the summer, largely fueled by George Russell’s remarks suggesting ongoing negotiations between Mercedes and Verstappen. Russell implied these talks impacted his own contract discussions with Mercedes. Currently, neither Russell nor Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli hold confirmed contracts beyond the 2025 season.
However, Marko dismissed such rumours, assuring that Verstappen’s position at Red Bull is secure for 2026. Speaking to RTL and sport.de, he stated,
“Yes, I can confirm that Max Verstappen will be driving for Red Bull in 2026,”
—Helmut Marko.
Additionally, Thomas Maher, PlanetF1.com’s correspondent present at the Belgian Grand Prix, verified Verstappen’s status as a Red Bull racer for the upcoming season, while suggesting that Mercedes will soon confirm the futures of Russell and Antonelli, potentially ahead of the summer break. Despite the confirmation, speculation about Verstappen’s long-term future could resurface in coming years.
Projected Driver Lineups and Regulatory Shifts for the 2026 Season
The 2026 season promises major transformations due to new chassis and engine regulations, marking the first fundamental power unit changes since 2014. Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull until 2028, but a contractual clause allowing an exit could have been triggered if he finished fourth or lower in the Drivers’ Championship after the Hungarian Grand Prix. With George Russell in fourth place, 28 points behind Verstappen and only 25 points left to claim this season, that scenario is no longer possible.
Before his unexpected departure, former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hinted that 2027 would be more crucial regarding Verstappen’s career decisions, reflecting the looming impact of regulation changes expected to reshape competitive dynamics across teams.
The last significant engine formula revision occurred in 2014, initiating Mercedes’ dominance with eight straight Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ titles, mainly owed to Lewis Hamilton‘s and Nico Rosberg’s performances. The upcoming 2026 rules could disrupt this hierarchy substantially.
Horner’s Perspective on Red Bull’s Future Amid Major Formula 1 Changes
Speaking with Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz during the British Grand Prix, Horner discussed the uncertainty surrounding competitiveness in 2026, especially as Red Bull embarks on producing its own engines in partnership with Ford. He acknowledged that no team or manufacturer can confidently guarantee superiority in this new era.
Horner stressed the unprecedented scale of the changes, describing them as the biggest regulation overhaul involving both chassis and engines in approximately 50 years of Formula 1 history.
Regarding Verstappen’s standing, Horner emphasized his exceptional talent and desirability as a driver. He stated,
“Now, Max is probably the most in-demand driver; he’s the best in the world. He is absolutely, unequivocally, the best driver.”
—Christian Horner.
Horner noted that Verstappen’s options for 2027 extend beyond a single team, meaning his decisions would depend heavily on Red Bull’s progress in 2026 to demonstrate it remains the right environment for his ambitions.
“So I think it’s more about 2027 than perhaps about 2026.”
—Christian Horner.
Verstappen’s Ambition and Red Bull’s Quest for Continued Success
Verstappen has expressed his desire to complete his racing career entirely with Red Bull, a goal that Horner believes is achievable provided the team remains competitive under the new regulations. Despite this loyalty, Verstappen’s hunger for victories and championship titles continues to drive him, ensuring his focus remains on performance and success.
The 2026 season, therefore, stands as a pivotal moment for both driver and team. How Red Bull adapts to the sweeping regulation changes and delivers results will be instrumental in shaping Verstappen’s future, while potentially influencing the broader Formula 1 landscape for years to come.
