Max Verstappen has officially confirmed he will remain with Red Bull for the 2026 Formula One season, putting an end to ongoing rumors linking him to Mercedes. The 27-year-old Dutch driver, a four-time world champion, remains under contract with Red Bull until 2028, and his recent performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix ensured he would not fall below fourth place, which some reports suggested might have triggered an early exit option.
Verstappen currently sits third in the 2025 championship standings, ahead of Mercedes contender George Russell, quashing speculation that he might switch teams after this season. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko confirmed in an interview with the German outlet Sport.De that Verstappen’s return for 2026 is certain.
Background of Transfer Rumors and Mercedes’ Pursuit
Rumors about Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes have swirled since mid-2024, fueled by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff’s open interest in the star driver. Wolff has repeatedly made clear that Mercedes is interested in acquiring Verstappen to boost their competitiveness. However, Verstappen has publicly dismissed such speculation, emphasizing the stability of his current arrangement.
“I don’t think that’s how Formula One works – where then suddenly you can say, ‘Well, bye guys.’ It’s not how it works,”
Verstappen said last July when asked about his plans for 2025.
“I have a long contract with the team. I’m very happy where I’m at.”
—Max Verstappen, F1 Driver
Meanwhile, George Russell’s contract extension talks have reportedly stalled due to Mercedes’ focus on Verstappen, complicating the team’s driver lineup for the upcoming seasons. Russell’s contract ends after the 2025 season, and his inability to overtake Verstappen in the standings limits Mercedes’ ability to plan for the future.
Team Perspectives and Driver Reactions
Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner addressed the swirling rumors, suggesting Verstappen is frustrated by constant speculation about his future. Horner stressed the solidity of Verstappen’s contract and dismissed most rumored scenarios as baseless.
“I think Max gets quite annoyed by it. We’re very clear with the contract that we have with Max until 2028. Anything is entirely speculative that is being said. We tend not to pay too much attention to it.”
—Christian Horner, Former Red Bull Team Principal
Recent changes in Red Bull’s management, with Laurent Mekies replacing Horner, have done little to alter Verstappen’s position. Despite challenges in the 2025 season, Verstappen remains focused on competing, even as his pursuit of a fifth consecutive title appears increasingly difficult. He currently trails McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris by significant margins midseason.
Implications for the 2026 Season and Beyond
Verstappen’s decision to stay with Red Bull reshapes the driver market and strategic outlook for top teams heading into 2026. Mercedes, which has invested heavily in courting Verstappen, will need to reassess its plans for driver lineup and development. Red Bull secures its leading driver for the next few years, providing continuity as it aims to defend its competitive edge in Formula One.
The confirmation also alleviates some of the uncertainty fans and stakeholders faced during this season, refocusing attention on on-track battles and championship outcomes. Verstappen’s steady commitment to Red Bull highlights his satisfaction with the team’s direction and infrastructure, reinforcing his role as a cornerstone of their Formula One strategy.