Max Verstappen has put an end to all rumours and confirmed that he will be driving in Formula 1 for Red Bull Racing in 2026.
The four-time World Champion’s future has been subject to intense speculation amidst talks with Mercedes. Christian Horner’s Red Bull sacking had led to additional speculation, but it led pundits like Martin Brundle to believe that it would push Verstappen to stay with the team. In confirming his stay with the Milton Keynes-based outfit, Verstappen will be heading into 2026’s new regulations in a Red Bull car.
Speaking to the media, Verstappen confirmed his future, and suggested that it was clear all along that he was staying at the team.
Verstappen confirms his future in Formula 1 with Red Bull
Having avoided directly confirming his Red Bull future until now, rumours had been rife about the Dutchman’s future in Formula 1. Finally, Verstappen has shared that him and the team are working on plans for next year – with him staying.
“I’m discussing with the team already the plans, the things that we want to change next year so that means I’m also staying with the team for next year. I think it’s time to basically stop all the rumours, and for me it’s always been quite clear that I was staying anyway.”
Verstappen calls for an end to the rumours and drama
Verstappen has often found himself indifferent to the media, preferring to remain coy and not overshare. Speaking about this at length, the Dutchman stated that he is the only one who should be talking about his future.
“The thing is, people are waffling so much throughout the whole season while the only one that actually can or should speak is not speaking.”
Verstappen added: “It makes no sense to start throwing things around. Some people just like to stir the pot, some people just like to create drama.”
While social media was ablaze with tracking of Verstappen’s yacht next to Toto Wolff’s, the Dutchman stated that it “shouldn’t matter” and added, “if my boat is next to Toto’s then the boat is next to Toto’s. You can have a personal relationship with someone even if you don’t have a working relationship with someone.”
Verstappen happy with Red Bull life under Laurent Mekies
Laurent Mekies, who replaced the sacked Christian Horner, has impressed Verstappen in the short time since stepping up from sister team Racing Bulls. Speaking on Mekies, Verstappen appears to be optimistic for the future with the Frenchman at the helm of Red Bull.
“We discuss about a lot of things to be honest. He’s very friendly, he’s very open, very motivated, very driven. That’s of course what you want to see from a boss and I like it. It’s a nice atmosphere that he is creating and I’m very excited for the future, what we can do together.
“Of course, for this year the amount of influence with the car is difficult. You jump in the middle of the season but of course for the future, you have a lot more say and influence on that. He’s asking, for me at least, the right questions and ideas. I like it.”
