Verstappen officially stays longer at Red Bull: Why that gives him freedom

18:19, 31 Jul

Updated: 23:14, 31 Aug

byLudo van Denderen

Months of speculation preceded it, but Max Verstappen has made a definite decision: the Dutchman will also stay with Red Bull Racing in 2026. The focus now shifts to the future, with the aim to return Red Bull to the top of the grid. And if that fails, for him personally, no man is overboard.

It was the very first question for Max Verstappen: 'Can you clarify about your future?' After having evaded the answer to that question for months, Max Verstappen gently leaned forward on his stool to speak the words that were no surprise: Yes, he will stay with the Austrian team in 2026.

As if there was never any doubt for Verstappen

After the exit clause in his contract with Red Bull was no longer applicable after the Belgian Grand Prix and subsequently an interview from Helmut Marko - who already indicated that Verstappen would stay on board - it was up to Verstappen, who had to give the final confirmation. He did so, calmly and as if there had never been any doubt.

His intention was always to stay with Red Bull, he said. And it was mostly stories in the media that made his future a subject of conversation. But he himself, as proclaimed by the four-time world champion on the first floor of the Red Bull Energy Station in the paddock of the Hungaroring, always thought about how to make the team better.

There were indeed talks with Mercedes

Of course, that's not entirely true, because there definitely were talks on request of his entourage with Mercedes - a team that had more than interest in the services of the best driver on the F1 grid.

In any case, for 2026, the Germans miss out on Verstappen, but if the power balance might change in ‘26 after the revamped regulations; who knows what will happen for 2027?

In a certain sense, Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull for 2026 also provides the reigning champion with freedom. If Red Bull is not competitive enough in ‘26, there will undoubtedly be interest from teams that are.

If Mercedes then wants a chance at Verstappen, it is for the Germans to come up with a car in ‘26 that can win races and become champion.

Verstappen, in any case, is in no rush. Now that the big word is out, he can focus with Red Bull on the development of the RB22 and there need not be any more speculation about which car the Dutchman will be in next year. That is surely the benefit after his press talk in Hungary.