Max Verstappen has officially confirmed that he will continue racing with Red Bull in the 2026 Formula 1 season, putting to rest weeks of intense speculation about his future in the sport. The four-time and reigning world champion, who has been at the center of rumors linking him to Mercedes, spoke candidly ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix and emphatically declared his commitment to Red Bull Racing.
Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull currently runs until the end of 2028, but it included exit clauses that made his situation a highly discussed topic throughout the season. Specifically, these clauses allowed him to leave if he was not ranked among the top three in the drivers’ championship by the summer break. After his fourth-place finish at the Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen secured third in the standings and thus activated the clause preventing him from exiting the team at this stage. This achievement essentially locks him into the Red Bull fold for the 2026 campaign.
Despite persistent rumors fueled by Mercedes team discussions and public comments by Mercedes driver George Russell, Verstappen remained focused on his current team’s development. He explained that there had never been any real doubt about his intentions, noting that ongoing conversations with Red Bull about car improvements and future plans made it clear he was invested in the team’s success. Verstappen said,
“I think it’s time to basically stop all the rumours. For me, it was always quite clear that I was staying anyway”
and highlighted that staying with Red Bull has always been the mutual feeling within the team due to their continuous collaborative discussions.
The rumors of Verstappen possibly switching teams gained traction as Mercedes sought to secure top talent and conversations between the two camps were publicly acknowledged by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. However, recent statements from Wolff indicate that Mercedes now prefers to maintain its current driver lineup, including George Russell and new talent Kimi Antonelli, especially after Verstappen’s decision to remain with Red Bull solidified.
In addition to Verstappen’s announcement, Red Bull’s leadership underwent a significant change earlier in the season, with long-time team principal Christian Horner departing and Racing Bulls boss Laurent Mekies stepping in. Despite this leadership transition, Verstappen’s commitment to the team did not waver, and he continues to look forward to working together under the new management structure.
Max Verstappen, with 65 Grand Prix wins to his name, remains one of the most successful and dominant figures in Formula 1 history. His decision to stay with Red Bull for another season ensures continuity for the team as they prepare for the evolving landscape of Formula 1 regulations starting next season. While the possibility of a future move to Mercedes in 2027 cannot be ruled out entirely, his current position is firmly with Red Bull for 2026, much to the relief of his fans and the team alike.
This announcement not only ends the speculation but also sets the stage for what promises to be another exciting and competitive Formula 1 season with Verstappen chasing further titles in the iconic Red Bull car.
This confirmation comes at a crucial juncture for Formula 1, as teams prepare for a new era in technology and racing regulations slated for 2026. Verstappen’s continued partnership with Red Bull reinforces the team’s status as the team to beat and gives them a clear foundation upon which to build their championship defense.
In conclusion, Max Verstappen’s emphatic confirmation to race with Red Bull in 2026 marks a milestone in his career planning and provides stability for the team amid a season filled with high stakes and intense competition. It is an affirmation of the strong relationship between the driver and the team that has powered him to multiple world championships.