Verstappen Secures Future with Red Bull Until 2026
Max Verstappen will remain at Red Bull for the 2026 season, after overcoming a possible exit clause in his contract during the Belgian Grand Prix. Speculation about Verstappen’s departure from Red Bull had grown in recent months, especially with the interest of Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes, who had expressed his desire to sign the four-time world champion for next year. The current champion has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, but there were mechanisms in the agreement that allowed him to leave earlier. Sources had confirmed that Verstappen could have left Red Bull if he was fourth or below in the championship after the Hungarian Grand Prix, prior to the Formula 1 August break. However, after the weekend in Spa-Francorchamps, he moved away from George Russell, who occupies fourth place.
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Verstappen’s victory in Saturday’s sprint race put him 26 points ahead, and then he added two more points during Sunday’s Grand Prix. A driver can score a maximum of 25 points in a race weekend.Verstappen had already hinted at his stay at Red Bull before the Belgian Grand Prix. The situation will likely move the driver market, with the uncertainty about Verstappen’s future creating a bottleneck in the decisions on the grid. Ironically, Russell seemed to be the most affected by Verstappen’s possible departure. The Briton has not yet signed an extension with Mercedes beyond this season. Russell told the media on Thursday that he was “at peace” with the situation and revealed that he had not yet received a contract to sign, suggesting that negotiations between him and Wolff are not at an advanced stage. Russell has previously said he expected to compete in Mercedes next year and has not spoken to any other team. Cadillac has two seats to fill for its F1 debut in 2026, while Alpine seems to be evaluating the market to find someone to accompany Pierre Gasly next season. It is significant that Verstappen spoke on Sunday night about the importance of the remaining races this year to help Red Bull get ready for 2026.Whoever still doubted, Max Verstappen will race for Red Bull Racing in 2026… Toto Wolff is completely sure that he will have to move on next year.
Red Bull, now led by Laurent Mekies, embarks on an unprecedented project next year. With the partnership with Honda ending, the team is building its own Formula 1 engines at its UK headquarters in Milton Keynes. Verstappen’s future beyond 2026 seems to depend on the success of that Red Bull project. Both Der Telegraaf and AMuS have reported that Verstappen would be free to seek another team if Red Bull Racing is unsuccessful next season, suggesting the existence of similar clauses in the 2026 part of his contract. Waiting another year will give Verstappen the best opportunity to assess the market. A major rule change like the one planned for next season is impossible to predict. Sources have reported that Mercedes is increasingly confident in its engine project for 2026, but that in itself is not a guarantee. Wolff’s team will be the one to beat, this year they are being surpassed by their engine customer McLaren. Aston Martin has invested a lot of money in this regulation cycle and will take over the Red Bull Honda engine deal, while Lewis Hamilton has repeatedly said that he joined Ferrari this year with the intention of fighting for the championship in 2026.I think it’s also important this year to learn certain things because they will also have an effect on next year. Because the cars will be completely different, but there are still things we can work on and also take them to next year.
