Red Bull Racing will have Formula 1 star Max Verstappen for at least one more season. Team adviser Helmut Marko announced on Monday that the four-time reigning F1 champion will stay with the team in 2026, even though there was some interest from Mercedes.
On Monday, ESPN reported that Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull included an exit clause. This clause would have allowed him to leave if he was in fourth place or lower in the championship standings after the Hungarian Grand Prix, which is happening this Sunday.
After the Belgian Grand Prix last Sunday, Verstappen is currently in third place in the F1 standings. He has a solid lead over fourth-place George Russell, being 28 points ahead, so he can’t be caught during the race 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’ lineup includes Russell and up-and-coming star Kimi Antonelli, but Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has not ruled out the possibility of chasing after Verstappen, who has become the most successful F1 driver since winning his first championship in 2021.
Earlier this month, Red Bull unexpectedly fired team principal Christian Horner and appointed Laurent Mekies as his replacement.
At that time, Verstappen’s agent informed a Dutch news outlet that Verstappen is still dedicated to the team despite the leadership change.
