Max Verstappen confirms he’s staying at Red Bull in 2026

Four-time F1 champ Max Verstappen has finally poured a bucket of ice-cold water over the rumours that he could make an unbelievable switch to Mercedes next season, confirming that he will in fact stay put at Red Bull in 2026.

For months speculation has been rife – because Helmut Marko basically said as much – that performance clauses in the Dutchman’s contract could allow him to wriggle free of his deal with Red Bull, which expires at the end of 2028.

It was heavily suggested that being lower than third in the championship by the summer break, which falls after this weekend’s race in Hungary, would give him the option of triggering that clause.

But he’s now too far ahead of fourth-placed George Russell to be caught before Hungary, making it more than a little eyebrow-raising that Max has revealed his hand now.

“The thing is, people are waffling so much throughout the whole season, while the only one who actually can or should speak is not speaking,” the 27-year-old told assembled media at the Hungaroring.

“And I do that on purpose because it makes no sense to start throwing things around. Some people just like to stir the pot, some people just like to create drama.

“I never made an opera, I don’t like opera anyway. I just like to go on holiday, have a good time, I like to come here and do my best, race Formula 1 cars and go home again.

“But for me it’s always been quite clear, and also for next year. I’m discussing with the team already the plans and things that we want to change for next year, so that means that I’m also staying with the team for next year.”

So there you have it. And it means Russell – who is out of contract at Mercedes next year and likely would’ve been the fall guy if Verstappen had agreed to join them – can breathe a sigh of relief. And no doubt insist on a much longer, Verstappen-proof deal this time.

And if the whispers about Merc’s new engine for next year’s regs overhaul are true… Russell could end up being the favourite for the title in 2026. Funny sport, innit?