‘Some people create drama’: Verstappen finally confirms he will stay at Red Bull in 2026

Max Verstappen has finally confirmed he will continue to drive for Red Bull in 2026.

Although Verstappen has a long-term deal to remain at the team until 2028, multiple reports earlier this year revealed he also had an exit clause allowing him to move elsewhere if he went into the summer break outside the top three places in the championship.

Since the last round in Belgium that is no longer possible, as it is impossible for Verstappen’s closest pursuers to exceed his points total this weekend.

Now Verstappen has made it clear for the first time this year he will remain at Red Bull in 2026.

“For next year I’m discussing with the team already the plans, the things that we want to change for next year,” he told the official Formula 1 channel. “So that means that I’m also staying with the team for next year.”

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was known to be exploring the possibility of signing Verstappen, if not for next year then a future season. George Russell’s contract to drive for Mercedes expires at the end of this season and has not yet been renewed. However with Verstappen no longer in position to replace Russell, Mercedes are expected to extend his contract.

Russell referred to Mercedes’ interest in Verstappen earlier this year. The Red Bull driver made it clear he was unhappy to have faced so many questions about whether he would change teams for 2026.

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“People are waffling so much throughout the whole season while the only one that actually can or should speak is not speaking. That’s me.

“I do that on purpose because it makes no sense to start throwing things around and actually that should be the same for everyone. Some people just like to stir the pot. Some people like to create drama but for me it’s always been quite clear.”

2025 Hungarian Grand Prix

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