Max Verstappen has officially confirmed he will remain with Red Bull Racing for the 2026 Formula 1 season, ending widespread speculation about his future. The four-time world champion made the announcement during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, addressing ongoing rumors about a potential switch to Mercedes.
Throughout the 2025 season, Verstappen’s name had frequently been linked with Mercedes, fueled by comments from their driver George Russell and team principal Toto Wolff. However, Verstappen’s recent statements indicate these discussions have concluded without a move, as he affirmed his focus remains on Red Bull and the development of next year’s car.
Clarifying His Position Amid Persistent Transfer Talks
During a media interaction at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen reflected on the rumors swirling around his contract. He remarked,
“There were a lot of nice stories and things like that,”
before adding that he never publicly addressed the speculation because his attention was solely on team collaboration.
He further explained,
“That’s why I never had anything to add to it. But yes, I think it’s time to put all the rumors to rest.”
Verstappen emphasized that his ongoing conversations with Red Bull about car improvements confirmed his intention to stay, stating,
“It’s always been pretty clear to me that I was going to stay.”
Highlighting the consistency of his focus, Verstappen said,
“I think when you’re not interested in staying, you also stop talking about these kinds of things. And I never did.”
Context Behind Verstappen’s Announcement and Team Dynamics
Verstappen’s decision to publicly confirm his stay marks a shift from his usual reticence on contract matters, as he had previously avoided answering direct questions about his future. Notably, speculation intensified following a Sky Italia report in early July claiming Verstappen had verbally agreed to join Mercedes, a claim he did not affirm at the time.
The announcement comes shortly after significant changes within Red Bull’s leadership. Christian Horner, the team principal and CEO, departed amid internal turmoil and allegations made by a female employee. Although Horner was cleared in two internal investigations, Red Bull experienced tension within the team ranks, including public criticism from Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen.
Jos voiced his frustrations regarding the team’s atmosphere, warning,
“There is tension here while he remains in position,”
and criticized Horner by stating,
“It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
These tensions coincided with the exits of key figures such as chief technical officer Adrian Newey and team principal Jonathan Wheatley, factors that have coincided with a decline in Red Bull’s performance through the 2025 season.
Verstappen Family Feud and Media Attention
The strained relationship between the Verstappen family and Christian Horner has attracted considerable media scrutiny. An interview in Belgium between Jos Verstappen and former world champion Nico Rosberg highlighted this tension. During the exchange, Rosberg recalled Jos’s previous demand for Horner’s removal, to which Jos replied,
“That was one-and-a-half years ago, it’s different, I have nothing to say, it’s fine.”
When pressed further, the conversation turned terse, with Jos maintaining silence: “I’m always quiet,” while giving an angry look to Rosberg, who laughed nervously.
What This Means for Formula 1 and Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen’s confirmation to stay at Red Bull removes significant uncertainty from the Formula 1 transfer market, granting the team clearer direction as they work on their 2026 car. As the reigning world champion, his continued presence strengthens Red Bull’s competitive prospects despite recent challenges and leadership upheavals.
For Red Bull, stabilizing their lead driver’s contract amid internal conflicts and a dip in performance is crucial for regaining momentum against rivals like Mercedes and Ferrari. Verstappen’s focus on collaboration suggests a determined effort to rebound in the upcoming season.
Looking ahead, Verstappen’s decision sets a foundation for the team to rebuild cohesion and tackle technical development challenges, which will be vital in maintaining their status at the forefront of Formula 1 competition.
