Verstappen Confirms Commitment to Red Bull Through 2026 Amid Rumors
Hungarian Grand Prix Update: Max Verstappen has unequivocally stated his intention to continue racing for Red Bull until at least 2026, dismissing speculation about a potential move to Mercedes. The defending world champion emphasized the need to quell ongoing rumors, asserting, "It’s time to basically stop all the rumors."
Despite engaging in discussions with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull until 2028, which includes performance-related clauses. Notably, he is guaranteed a top-three finish in the drivers’ championship, regardless of his performance in the upcoming race.
Verstappen remarked, "I was just focused on talking to the team about how we can improve our performance," highlighting his commitment to collaboration and development within Red Bull. He acknowledged the team’s shared understanding of his desire to stay, stating, "I think that was also the general feeling in the team."
The announcement comes on the heels of Laurent Mekies stepping in as Red Bull’s new team principal, a change Verstappen views positively. "I do like how Laurent is working. Very motivated, constantly asking the right questions," he said. While acknowledging the challenges of the current season, he remains hopeful about the team’s future trajectory under Mekies’ leadership.
Verstappen concluded by noting that while this year presents difficulties in competing with McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes, there remains significant opportunity for learning and improvement. "There are still things that you can take out of this year and also implement for next year," he asserted, indicating a focus on maximizing the current season’s performance for future gains.
