31/07/2025 16:57
Max Verstappen has officially confirmed he will remain at Red Bull
for the 2026 F1 campaign. Verstappen has consistently been linked
with a move away from the Milton Keynes-based squad over the last
year. The speculation intensified in recent months as a performance
clause in his contract was revealed as Red Bull began to slip back
in the pecking order. With Mercedes yet to confirm its line-up for
next year and team principal Toto Wolff known to have an interest
in signing the Dutchman, the Brackley-based squad was highlighted
as a potential destination for Verstappen. Verstappen consistently
failed to declare he would officially remain at Red Bull beyond the
current campaign when questioned about the speculation this year.
However, earlier this week Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko stated
Verstappen would remain at the team next year following the
expiration of the performance clauses. Speaking to media including
RacingNews365 ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen
verified his position within the team for 2026. "It was quite
interesting to follow all of that and the nice stories, let's say
it like that, that came out of it," Verstappen said. "For me, I've
never really said anything about it because I was focused on
talking to the team about how we can improve our performance,
future ideas for next year as well. "That's why I had nothing
really to add, ever. "But I think it's time to stop all of the
rumours. For me, it's always been quite clear that I was staying
anyway. "That was also the general feeling in the team anyway. We
were always in discussions about what we could do with the car.
"When you're not interested in staying, you stop talking about
these kind of things, and I never did." With Verstappen confirming
his stay for 2026, some have theorised the Dutchman will use the
season to get an overview of who commences the sport's new era
under fresh technical regulations in the best position before
making a decision for 2027. When asked if he expects more
speculation over his future to emerge next year, Verstappen
replied: "I don't know - if you ask me that question next year then
yes we will have that speculation. "But for me, I never speak about
it, because I'm more interested in just working on the performance
[side] of things. "That's why I also never really talk about what
is in my contract."
