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Max Verstappen has put an end to mounting speculation over his future by confirming he will remain with Red Bull for the 2026 Formula One season.
Speaking at the Hungaroring ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, the reigning world champion declared it was time to “stop all the rumours”, after weeks of silence fuelled speculation about a potential move elsewhere.
“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,” Verstappen said. “But I think it’s time to basically stop all the rumours. For me, it’s always been quite clear that I was staying anyway.”
Rumours intensified earlier this month when Mercedes driver George Russell claimed that his team had held discussions with Verstappen’s management. It later emerged that Verstappen had a performance-related clause in his contract, which would have allowed him to leave Red Bull if he was outside the top three in the standings at the end of July. With the clause now expired, his commitment to Red Bull has been cemented.
Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, but his situation is expected to attract fresh scrutiny next season when the new technical regulations take effect. Performance under those changes could determine whether other teams reignite interest in signing the Dutchman.
This season has proved more challenging for Verstappen, who trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by 81 points and currently sits third in the standings. Red Bull itself has faced upheaval following the dismissal of team principal Christian Horner earlier this month. Horner was replaced by Laurent Mekies, formerly of the Racing Bulls team.
Horner’s departure is believed to have been welcomed by Verstappen’s father, Jos, following tensions that emerged last year over allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against the Red Bull boss. Although Horner was cleared twice by Red Bull’s parent company, internal divisions lingered.
Max Verstappen, however, dismissed suggestions that any personal tensions or management changes affected his thinking. “People can have a difference of opinion and I expect that to happen – if everyone agrees, there is a problem,” he said.
Looking ahead, Verstappen said he still holds hope of finishing the current season strongly, despite McLaren’s dominant form.
“I know the cars will be different next year, but there are still things you can take from this year on the engineering side and implement for next year. You can’t just say, ‘We’re not winning the championship, so we write off the season’.”
When asked whether the same speculation might resurface next year, Verstappen said, “Probably, yes – but I never talk about what’s in my contract. I’m more interested in working on performance.”
