Max Verstappen has officially confirmed his decision to remain with Red Bull Racing for the 2026 Formula 1 season, putting an end to recent rumors about his contract status. This announcement comes amid ongoing speculation fueled by discussions between Mercedes and Verstappen’s team about his future.
Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull extends through 2028, but it includes clauses that allowed him to leave if he failed to finish in the top three of the drivers’ championship by mid-season. After finishing fourth in the Belgian Grand Prix, this exit option is no longer available, reinforcing his commitment to the team. Although there was some uncertainty around a potential move in 2026, it was always less likely than a switch in 2027 when new regulations take effect and team performances become clearer.
Verstappen Addresses Contract Rumors Before Hungarian Grand Prix
In the days leading up to the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen spoke candidly to the media, clarifying his intentions and putting contract speculation to rest. He explained that his silence on the matter stemmed from prioritizing discussions around improving the team’s performance and future car development instead of focusing on personal contract issues.
“I’ve never really said anything about it because I was just focused on talking to the team about how we can improve our performance, future ideas for next year as well, and that’s why I had nothing really to add,”
Verstappen stated. —Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
He went on to emphasize that rumors should end, as it had always been clear that he intended to stay with Red Bull, the team that helped him secure four consecutive championships. He added that ongoing conversations about car improvements demonstrated his commitment.
“I think that was also the general feeling in the team anyway, because we were always in discussions about what we could do with the car. And when you’re not interested in staying, then you also stop talking about these kind of things – and I never did.”
—Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Verstappen also noted that similar exit clauses could resurface next summer, meaning media attention on his contract might persist. However, he made it clear that he prefers to focus on team performance rather than contract specifics.
“But I never speak about it, because I’m more interested in just working on the performance of things, so that’s why I also never really talk about what is in my contract.”
—Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Verstappen’s Outlook on the 2025 Championship Season
While Verstappen and Red Bull have shifted much of their focus to the new regulations era beginning in 2026, he remains cautious about dismissing the 2025 season altogether. As McLaren’s driver Oscar Piastri currently leads the championship by a significant margin, Verstappen acknowledges the difficulty of contesting the title this year but believes there is still room for growth and learning.
“No one really knows for next year where they will be at,”
Verstappen commented, adding that competing with top teams like Ferrari and Mercedes remains a challenge.
He also pointed out that even though next year’s cars will be significantly different due to new technical rules, insights from the current season’s engineering and car behavior can still inform future development.
“So, you cannot just say: ‘Okay, we’re not winning the championship this year, so we just write it off completely.’
—Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Implications for Team Contracts and the Formula 1 Landscape
With Verstappen’s commitment secured, attention now turns to Mercedes, where contract negotiations remain unresolved for drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Both drivers’ futures have reportedly been in limbo pending clarity on Verstappen’s status. The confirmation of Verstappen’s deal removes a key uncertainty, potentially paving the way for negotiations to advance.
The developments underline Red Bull’s continued dominance and stability, secured by keeping the sport’s most successful driver under contract through a changing era in Formula 1. As 2026 approaches, the rivalry among teams will intensify, with Verstappen and Red Bull positioned to defend their status against emerging challenges from competitors like McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes.