Max Verstappen has officially stated that he will remain at Red Bull Racing at least until the next year 2026, putting an end to months of speculation he could switch to Mercedes. Although his contract already extends until 2028, there was talk of him moving because of performance related exit clauses. With Verstappen finishing in the points at Spa, and still in the top three at the summer break, there is no longer any option to fire Verstappen immediately.
The announcement was coincided with the Hungarian Grand Prix where Verstappen spoke out about the constant speculation of the media. He made it clear that he had never considered the possibility of external interest (i.e. jumping ship to New York forecasts) as he had only aimed to work upon enhancing performance with Red Bull. I never really said much and I never did do think I doubted. I was simply in game focus and I should have been talking to the team as well about how we are going to improve. His statements are an indicator of high internal motivation to the long-term project of the team in the face of big changes in regulations that are going to happen in 2026.
His stable period occurs even despite sharp changes in the top management of Red Bull. Verstappen has been reacting well to the new leadership, thanks to the fresh input by the new team boss, Laurent Mekies who replaced Christian Horner as team boss. He called Mekies highly-motivated and someone who asks a lot of questions and said he feels that the team is on the right track. Nevertheless, Verstappen also admitted that the changes in the direction might be tangible only in the long run because the change of the leaders in the team appeared too late in the season.
Red Bull is readying itself to become a new era in F1 with new sweeping changes to the regulations set to arrive in 2026 and their daring plans to launch their own power unit. The fact that Verstappen chose to remain at the team not only means that he is confident in the present-state system but also that he has intentions to contribute to the formulation of the future of the team. Nevertheless, he also did not make any promises past 2026 and this way reminded all people that performance and direction will inform the way forward which is a year or two ahead.
In the meantime, the fact that Verstappen is confirmed puts Mercedes in a difficult situation. After reportedly making Verstappen one of their ideal candidates to take up the position left by Lewis Hamilton, they will have to turn to within themselves. Even before Mercedes has officially announced it, former world champion Nico Rosberg has spurred the team to go the extra mile to seal George Russell and Kimi Antonelli to the future assuring that failure to do so will play against it in the event of a 2027 market, which will be more competitive.
Overall, the strong loyalty of Verstappen to Red Bull despite all the commotion and the chances leaves a loud message throughout the paddock. He is here to fight, and he is fighting his way, and a team that in his opinion can grow and perform in the next stage of F1.
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