Max Verstappen has put an end to speculation about his future by confirming that he will remain with Red Bull. Speaking from the upgraded Hungaroring paddock, the four-time world champion addressed the swirling rumors quietly but firmly, emphasizing that his focus is fully on continuing with the team in the coming years.
“It’s time to put an end to the rumors,”
Verstappen said bluntly, signaling closure on ongoing questions about his contract and future commitments.
No Official Announcement but Clear Intentions
Despite the confirmation, Verstappen did not release a formal statement or official announcement. This approach fits with the nature of his existing contract, which already ties him to Red Bull. Red Bull has shown no indication of doubts surrounding Verstappen’s presence within the team, but conversations about his future beyond 2025 remain open, especially with 2026 on the horizon.
The Dutch driver’s comments suggest a stable present, but the upcoming season and technical changes in 2026 might reignite discussions about his role with the team.
Focus on Team and Performance Rather Than Contract Talks
Verstappen stressed that he has never publicly commented on contract rumors, as his priority remains the team‘s performance. Addressing the media, he said,
“You guys wrote good stories, but I never said anything about it. I was just focused on getting the team to what we can be.”
This remark underscores his disinterest in fueling speculation, particularly around possible shifts to other teams like Mercedes, which have remained theoretical rather than concrete options.
“It was clear that I would stay anyway, that was the general feeling,”
Verstappen added, reinforcing that his intentions have been well understood within the paddock for some time.
Verstappen Describes Discussions Focused Solely on Car Development
In conversation about his relationship with Red Bull, Verstappen emphasized that their talks revolve exclusively around car improvements.
“We only discuss what we can do with the car. And if you’re interested in staying, you wouldn’t talk about issues like that,”
he explained.
He further clarified,
“I never talked because I have more options to work and move forward. That’s why I never talked about what’s in my contract,”
revealing a professional focus on progress and development rather than contract details.
Looking Ahead to 2026 with Cautious Optimism
Turning to the competitive landscape, Verstappen acknowledged that rival teams, such as McLaren, currently have advantages in certain areas. He noted,
“McLaren is a better car in areas like tyre care, its rotation without losing the rear of the car or very high performance in medium speed.”
Red Bull’s preparations for next season and beyond are advancing, with Verstappen stating,
“The car will be built next year, but there will be things we can understand better,”
indicating that the team is actively learning and adapting for future improvements.
Uncertainty Remains but Speculation is Closed—for Now
Despite ending rumors about his immediate future, Verstappen left room for future conversations. When asked about his future again, he joked,
“If you ask me those questions again, I will think about it.”
At the Hungaroring, Verstappen is set to continue focusing on delivering strong results with Red Bull, now under the guidance of new leadership with Mekies at the helm. This fresh phase signals both stability and challenge as the team seeks to maintain its dominance in Formula 1 while preparing for the reset that 2026 will bring.