SPA FRANCORCHAMPS – Red Bull Racing will have Formula One superstar and four-time world champion Max Verstappen for at least another season.

Team adviser Helmut Marko said on July 28 that the Dutchman would return to the team in 2026 despite reported interest from Mercedes.

A widely reported exit clause in Verstappen’s Red Bull contract would have allowed him to leave the team at year’s end if he were fourth or lower in the championship standings as of the Hungarian Grand Prix, which takes place this Sunday.

Following the Belgian Grand Prix last Sunday, Verstappen sits in third place in the F1 standings and far enough ahead of fourth-place George Russell (28 points) that he cannot be caught in Hungary.

The understanding of Verstappen’s situation was confirmed when Marko spoke to German outlet Sport.De.

“Yes, I can confirm that Max Verstappen will drive for Red Bull in 2026,” Marko said.

Mercedes’ cars are currently occupied by Russell and potential rising star Kimi Antonelli, but Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has not denied looking into pursuing Verstappen, the winningest F1 driver since his first championship in 2021.

Earlier this month, Red Bull abruptly dismissed team principal Christian Horner and replaced him with Laurent Mekies. Verstappen’s agent told a Dutch outlet at the time that Verstappen remained committed to the team despite the change.

The driver himself said last week that Horner’s exit will not influence his F1 future.

“Management decided they wanted to steer the ship in a different direction probably,” he said.

“Everyone else of course has to anyway agree to that and look forward. And I am looking forward.

“I’m equally also excited for the team now moving forward because that’s what we have to do. Looking back doesn’t make sense. It’s not going to make you faster.

“At the same time, we do appreciate of course those 20 years and especially from my side, the 10, 11 that I’ve been part of Red Bull. Those things will always be remembered. Life is unpredictable. But in general, I’m very happy where I’m at.”

He added that his first impressions of Mekies were good.

“I like Laurent. He’s a very nice guy, first of all, very clever guy,” Verstappen said. “He’s been in different areas of the F1 paddock as well. And I think that can be helpful.”

Meanwhile, Marko also said that the 2025 championship was still within Verstappen’s reach, but the Dutchman has downplayed those claims.

“Helmut is not in the car!” he said.

“I understand that you have to be positive about it. On the other hand, I am always very realistic about what I feel in the car. And when I look at certain onboards of other cars, I know enough.” REUTERS, AFP

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