Amid swirling rumors about his next career move, Max Verstappen appears set to stay with Red Bull through the 2026 season. This news surfaced just prior to the Silverstone Grand Prix, where the four-time Formula 1 World Champion demonstrated why he remains one of the sport’s most coveted drivers.
After clinching an unexpected pole position at Silverstone, Verstappen left the paddock quickly, accompanied only by his father Jos Verstappen and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. Their measured exit reflected the tension and speculation that have surrounded Verstappen’s future, even as he delivered a lap performance that confirmed his enduring dominance on track.
The Atmosphere Following Verstappen’s Silverstone Pole Lap
Verstappen’s swift departure from the paddock was not just about avoiding the crowd but also managing the ongoing pressure from persistent contract rumors. His father Jos, who has recently focused more on rally driving in Europe, and Christian Horner were visibly uplifted after Verstappen’s remarkable qualifying lap.
This season, however, has been more challenging than expected for Red Bull. Although Verstappen has produced moments of brilliance, the team’s RB21 car has been inconsistent, and Verstappen has lacked strong support from his teammate, leaving him to fend off McLaren’s intensely competitive driving duo largely on his own.
Despite these adversities, Verstappen continues to display resilience and skill, consistently proving that his talent remains formidable against McLaren’s rising force.
Naturally, I think if you look at our season so far, we haven’t performed the way we wanted to,
Verstappen acknowledged after securing pole at Silverstone.
He added,
But that’s how it is. I cannot change that. We are pushing all flat out, myself, the whole team, to try and be more competitive. Some tracks naturally are a bit better for us, unfortunately.
Continuing, he noted,
The calendar is not all like this, so we need to try to improve in other areas. It’s not that straightforward. Otherwise, of course, we would have done so already. But at least I’m happy with today. It’s a good boost for everyone, also after last weekend, which I think we were lacking a bit of pace, but also we were a bit unlucky in general.
Although the pole position at Silverstone didn’t immediately counteract McLaren’s overall advantage this season, it offered a brief moment of relief for Verstappen and his camp. The occasion also brought a rare sense of unity among Verstappen, Jos, and Horner, in stark contrast to Verstappen’s frustrated demeanor during earlier media sessions.
Origins of Speculation About Verstappen’s F1 Future
The rumors about Verstappen’s future escalated notably after Red Bull’s dominant 2023 campaign gave way to a more uncertain 2024. Given Verstappen’s status as arguably the most valuable driver in Formula 1, plenty of teams appear eager to exploit any sign of discontent between him and Red Bull.
Following the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Aston Martin emerged in whispers as a potential new home for Verstappen, despite their existing, solid contracts with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. On paper, the move contained some appealing elements, including a return to Honda engines and a working relationship with Adrian Newey, architect of Verstappen’s championship-winning cars. However, Aston Martin’s recent struggles and lack of proven consistency have cast doubt on such a scenario.
Mercedes stands out as a more plausible contender. Despite an uncertain driver lineup for next season, the German manufacturer could offer Verstappen an opportunity to lead a team with a storied past and the technological muscle to compete under the upcoming F1 engine regulations.
Mercedes’ Role in the Unfolding Driver Discussions
Mercedes’ current drivers—both graduates of its junior development program—have not yet been confirmed for the coming seasons. Team principal Toto Wolff stated in Austria that a decision on driver lineups would be made around the summer break, adding:
I don’t want to be sadistic in letting a driver wait or not taking any decisions when it should be taken. So I feel we’re in a good space,
Wolff said.
Obviously, there are lots of discussions around. I’ve been open with it and transparent. And at a certain stage in the next couple of months, until the summer break, we need to know. Until the summer break, everything is going to be done.
When asked if the decision would come before or after the break, he smiled and replied, “Maybe in the middle.” Coincidentally, this timeframe could coincide with the activation of Verstappen’s performance-based contract clause, which might allow him to leave Red Bull if he is outside the top four in the standings after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Speculation also exists that Verstappen could buy out his contract for an estimated £100 million, as reported by Sky Sports News’ Craig Slater.
On his current roster, Wolff commented,
“The situation we have with Kimi [Antonelli] and George, we have a perfect line-up that we very much enjoy, that we believe is the future.”
He added about Verstappen’s potential arrival,
“But at the same time, there is a four-time World Champion that needs to decide what he’s going to do in the future, and that is just, as a team principal, you need to see where that is going.”
But I think I give it a very little probability that this is going to happen.
Despite rumors emanating from Italy suggesting a move to Mercedes is gaining traction, these reports have not significantly tempered the likelihood of Verstappen remaining with Red Bull. Claims that Verstappen has demanded a reduction or removal of Horner’s powers to stay at Red Bull also surfaced but remain unconfirmed.
George Russell also addressed the rumors surrounding his own position at Mercedes, stating:
Of course, there are lots of conversations, lots of rumours, and all of these are being pointed towards me,
Russell said.
But from my side, that isn’t really going to be the case. I want to continue with Mercedes into the future. The fact is, Toto has never let me down. He’s always given me his word, but he’s also got to do what’s right for his team, which includes me.
But it also includes the thousands of people who work for Mercedes. For me, it’s nothing to worry about because I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere. And whoever my teammate will be, it doesn’t concern me either. So, just focus on the driving.
With rookie Kimi Antonelli performing at expected levels, Wolff’s apparent faith in his younger driver likely leaves Russell’s seat as a more significant point of consideration. Nevertheless, Russell appears confident in his future at Mercedes and has not actively pursued alternatives, including a move to Red Bull.
Insiders suggest Russell’s contract extension is imminent, and much of the Verstappen-to-Mercedes speculation may be media-driven hype rather than based on firm evidence.
Reasons Behind Verstappen’s Measured Public Statements on His Red Bull Future
Despite continuous media speculation, Verstappen and Horner recently held a productive meeting aimed at clearing the air. It is believed the two reaffirmed their shared goal of maintaining a harmonious relationship moving forward.
Verstappen reportedly emphasized his desire to stay with Red Bull throughout his Formula 1 career. He has said publicly,
I always said to the team it would be ideal, and I think they think the same way, to finish off my career in Formula 1 with one team.
I think that would be something amazing, and that’s what we are still trying to achieve.
Despite these statements, Verstappen has not made a definitive public commitment to continuing with Red Bull in 2026. This reticence could be tied to ongoing contract negotiations where he leverages his significant market value, as several top teams watch closely.
Beyond racing, Verstappen is expanding his involvement in motorsport through his Verstappen.com racing team, a joint initiative with Red Bull. This expansion likely provides him with additional influence and negotiating power, potentially covering commercial rights including image and sponsorship, aspects that may not be guaranteed elsewhere.
Performance certainty also factors in. While Mercedes is rumored to have a strong engine program for 2026’s new regulations, Red Bull’s own Powertrains department is confident it has developed a competitive unit for the upcoming season—though it may not be the benchmark, it is expected to be near the top.
Given Red Bull’s history of building teams around Verstappen with minimal internal rivalry, switching teams for 2026 may not offer clear advantages. The ongoing speculation itself serves as motivation for Red Bull to retain Verstappen, particularly during a period of transition following recent challenges.
Alternatively, Verstappen’s reluctance to quash rumors outright may simply reflect confidence that such speculation is inevitable and often unfounded. His strong self-belief and straightforward approach suggest he does not feel compelled to reveal every nuance of his career decisions to the media or public.
In practical terms, Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until at least 2028. His strong loyalty, coupled with his no-nonsense character, likely means he respects that commitment and sees little reason to publicly discuss moves away from the team.
The quiet but meaningful sight of Horner and the Verstappens walking together after the Silverstone weekend implied that the decade-long partnership remains intact—despite the recent challenges and persistent rumors.
Looking Ahead: What Verstappen’s Future Means for F1
Max Verstappen’s eventual decision will shape the competitive landscape of Formula 1 for years to come. Should he stay with Red Bull, the team will likely continue to revolve around him as their centerpiece under upcoming technical regulations, maintaining a fierce rivalry with McLaren and Mercedes.
If Verstappen opts to explore other teams, it could trigger significant driver market upheavals, with potential shifts at Mercedes, Aston Martin, and others. Yet, various signals suggest the likelihood of a dramatic switch remains low at this point.
For fans and teams alike, the ongoing contract intrigue combined with Verstappen’s unquestioned talent ensures that the 2026 season—and the lead-up to it—will be closely watched, with every statement and performance scrutinized for clues to his ultimate path.
Until the summer break, when contractual decisions at Mercedes and potential exploits of Verstappen’s performance clauses may crystallize, the F1 paddock will continue to buzz with speculation as the sport’s hottest property weighs his options quietly but decisively.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is Max Verstappen’s baby daughter?
A. Max Verstappen is now a father! The 27-year-old Formula One racer and his partner, Kelly Piquet, have welcomed their first child, a daughter named Lily. They shared this joyful news with a joint post on Instagram.
Q. Is Penelope not Max Verstappen’s daughter?
A. Kelly Piquet, the daughter of ex-world champion Nelson Piquet, is with him. She has a daughter named Penelope, from her past relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.
Verstappen has developed a strong bond with Penelope. He mentioned this when questioned if being a father could affect his racing performance.
Q. Who is Max Verstappen’s girlfriend’s baby daddy?
A. Before being in a relationship with Verstappen, she was associated with another F1 driver, Daniil Kvyat, and they had a daughter in 2019. Piquet and Verstappen later shared the news of their first child’s birth, a daughter named Lily, on May 2. “Welcome to the world, sweet Lily,” they welcomed her.
Q. Does Max Verstappen support LGBT?
A. Max expressed that he respects the LGBTQ+ community. However, he feels that each June, their movement seems to be more about an agenda. Eliza Burnett mentioned that Max described it courteously.