Max Verstappen confirms he will stay with Red Bull next season
On the eve of his first laps at the Hungaroring, the Red Bull driver was keen to put an end to rumours of a possible departure at the end of the year.
Max Verstappen is set to compete in his 200th Grand Prix with Red Bull Racing this weekend in Hungary. A number which, according to him, will continue to grow in 2026. The four-time world champion wanted to clarify his contractual situation before the summer break, which F1 will begin after the checkered flag on Sunday. While many rumors suggested he might go to Mercedes, the Dutch driver was clear.
« Some people like to stir the pot, some people like to create stories but for me, it has always been very clear for next year » Verstappen made sure to clarify in the Budapest paddock.
« I am already discussing future plans with the team, the things we want to change for next year so that means I will stay with the team. »
Red Bull has made headlines in recent weeks with the sensational departure of its historical Team Principal Christian Horner, replaced by Frenchman Laurent Mekies. We may never know if Verstappen’s statement is linked to this management change. What is certain is that Verstappen wanted to preempt any speculation about a turnaround during the summer break.
« If, during the holidays, my boat is close to Toto’s (Wolff), then it will be close to Toto’s. You can have a personal relationship with someone even if you don’t have a working relationship with that person. »
The Red Bull driver is referring here to the buzz recently created on social media when radars spotted the Dutchman’s boat and that of the Mercedes F1 boss nearby in Sardinia. The internet was abuzz and rumors of an imminent signing with the Silver Arrows set the media alight. However, nothing of the sort will happen.
In 2026, Red Bull will change its engine supplier as the team based in Milton Keynes will move from Honda to an in-house engine developed with Ford’s support. New boss, new power unit, new regulations, but still a multiple world champion at the wheel. These are the ingredients for the Austrian team to reach the top again as early as next year.
