Red Bull Racing confirms Max Verstappen's stay for 2026

"Yes, I can confirm that Max Verstappen will drive for Red Bull in 2026," Marko stated on the German site. The main player himself now also needs to report this, but it seems we will have to wait a bit longer. GPblog understands that clarity about what Verstappen will do in 2026 will only be provided from the summer break onwards by Verstappen himself – although nothing seems to stand in the way of a longer stay at Red Bull Racing.

Since last weekend, it is no longer possible for Verstappen to use an exit clause in his contract, as he is definitely in the top three in the leaderboard after the Hungarian Grand Prix. However, it is also known that Red Bull would let Verstappen go if the driver no longer wanted to be with the Austrians, contract or not.

Max Verstappen is getting closer to a longer stay at Red Bull. In Belgium, this site also learned in paddock discussions that the chances are very high that Verstappen will stay, especially now with Laurent Mekies as the new team boss; there's a breath of fresh air in the team. Verstappen respects the Frenchman both as a person and as a team boss. Additionally, Verstappen does not want to move to another team, with the risk that that squad may completely miss the launch of the new regulations in 2026.

Undoubtedly, Max Verstappen will face many questions about his possible continuation with Red Bull following recent media reports during the upcoming weekend in Hungary, and there's a chance he may keep silent about it. The Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort could be a great moment to announce the news - in front of his Dutch fans.