Max Verstappen has confirmed he will remain with Red Bull for the 2026 Formula 1 season, dispelling recent uncertainty about his future following the Belgian Grand Prix. This decisive move comes after Verstappen moved clear of a contractual exit clause during the Spa-Francorchamps weekend, solidifying his position amid widespread speculation about a possible switch to Mercedes.
The reigning four-time world champion’s contract currently extends until 2028, yet it included provisions that could have allowed him to depart earlier under specific circumstances. Verstappen’s victory in the sprint race and his performance in the main Grand Prix weekend increased his points lead, moving him well beyond the threshold that would have permitted invoking the clause.
Background on Contractual Exit Clause and Championship Standings
Reports indicate that Verstappen would have been eligible to leave Red Bull if he ranked fourth or lower in the Drivers’ Championship after the Hungarian Grand Prix and the subsequent August break. However, after his dominant showing at Spa, he now holds a 28-point advantage over his closest challenger, George Russell.
A driver can acquire a maximum of 25 points during a single race weekend, meaning Verstappen’s lead after the Belgian rounds effectively rules out the possibility of falling below fourth place. This milestone removes the option for Verstappen to trigger an early exit, confirming his continuing role as Red Bull’s lead driver.
In the aftermath, Dutch news outlet Der Telegraaf stated unequivocally,
“Whoever still doubted it — Max Verstappen will drive for Red Bull Racing in 2026 … Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is now completely sure that he will have move on to next year.”
—Der Telegraaf
The Influence of Team Changes and Internal Dynamics
Verstappen’s commitment emerged despite recent upheaval within Red Bull, including the abrupt dismissal of long-time team boss Christian Horner. While no formal explanation has been provided by the wider Red Bull organization, reports from within the paddock suggest tensions between Horner, Verstappen’s father Jos, and senior advisor Helmut Marko contributed to the decision.
Verstappen had previously hinted at his intention to stay with Red Bull when addressing the situation surrounding Horner. The stability offered by continuing with Red Bull is expected to have eased concerns for Verstappen and the team alike, especially amid the looming technical and strategic challenges of the upcoming seasons.
Implications for the Formula 1 Driver Market
The clarity over Verstappen’s future is likely to reshape driver market dynamics for 2026 and beyond. George Russell, Verstappen’s closest competitor for the championship and potential Mercedes teammate, has yet to finalize a contract extension with Mercedes. Russell admitted recently he had not seen a formal offer and described himself as “at peace” with the uncertain situation.
Russell has maintained that he expects to stay at Mercedes yet has not engaged in talks with other teams. His status remains one of the pivotal unresolved contracts, especially given the wider ripples in driver vacancies and team lineups across the grid.
Outside Red Bull and Mercedes, teams like Alpine and Cadillac are preparing for notable changes too. Cadillac will debut in Formula 1 in 2026 with two open driver seats, while Alpine continues evaluating potential teammates to pair with Pierre Gasly. This shifting landscape indicates that Verstappen’s prolonged stay at Red Bull will have consequences for driver placements throughout the sport.
Preparations for a New Era of Formula 1 Racing
Verstappen also emphasized the importance of the remainder of the current season in preparing for 2026, as Red Bull adapts to significant technical rule changes. Despite the major overhaul coming next year, he noted there is still value in learning and development during the current campaign that will impact future car designs and performance.
“I think it’s still important also this year to learn certain things because they will also have an effect on next year,”
Verstappen said, adding,
“So, of course, engineering and everything, you know, the car design of course is underway for next year, but we can still learn a lot also this year.”
—Max Verstappen
Following the departure of Honda as an engine supplier, Red Bull is now building its own power units at its headquarters in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. This move represents a major strategic shift as the team aims for greater independence and control over its machinery in the new regulations era.
Long-Term Future Hinges on Red Bull’s 2026 Performance
Verstappen’s willingness to remain with Red Bull beyond 2026 appears contingent on the success of this ambitious engine and car project. Media outlets such as Der Telegraaf and AMuS have reported that similar contractual clauses may allow Verstappen to explore other options if Red Bull fails to deliver competitive results next season.
Patience by Verstappen in waiting until 2026 to evaluate his position may grant him the best opportunity to assess the rapidly evolving field. The next season’s rule changes bring unpredictability, particularly with new engine formulas and new team partnerships reshaping competitive hierarchies.
Sources also reveal Mercedes is increasingly confident in its own 2026 engine development, even though this year it has been overshadowed by engine customers such as McLaren. Meanwhile, Aston Martin is investing substantially and will take over Honda’s former supply deal, and Lewis Hamilton’s recent move to Ferrari underscores his ambition to challenge for the title in 2026 as well.
The Broader Context and Future Outlook
Verstappen’s renewal with Red Bull marks a key moment for the sport. It stabilizes the top of the grid at a time when numerous teams are adjusting to significant technical changes and new powertrain regulations. His decision eliminates one major unknown in the driver market and allows Red Bull to focus fully on its innovative engineering projects.
As teams prepare for the 2026 season, the spotlight will remain on how quickly Red Bull’s newly developed engine and chassis can translate into on-track success. Verstappen’s continued presence will be critical for Red Bull’s title ambitions, while his contract conditions suggest that the championship battles and team dynamics will remain fluid well into the future.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Max Verstappen a millionaire?
A. Celebrity Net Worth estimates that Verstappen’s net worth is about $200 million.
Q. Is Max Verstappen rich?
A. Max Verstappen has earned $217 million (£163 million). He joined the Red Bull Racing team in 2016 and has performed remarkably since. He clinched the F1 world champion title in 2021, confirming his status as a top driver. Verstappen continued his success by winning the championship again in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Q. What is Max Verstappen’s baby gender?
A. Max Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet have a new baby girl named Lily, born on Saturday. Red Bull’s team leader, Christian Horner, stated that Lily’s birth will not affect Verstappen’s driving performance.
Q. What gender is Max Verstappen’s baby?
A. Verstappen and Piquet have announced the birth of their baby girl, Lily. They had earlier revealed the pregnancy before the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi. Lily is now a younger sister to Piquet’s daughter, Penelope.
