Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season seems assured, according to the latest events at the Belgian Grand Prix.The possibility of Verstappen leaving Red Bull had generated speculation in recent months, especially after the interest shown by Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes, in signing the four-time world champion.The current champion has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, but there were clauses that allowed him to leave earlier.Sources had confirmed that Verstappen could have left if he had been fourth or worse in the championship after the Hungarian Grand Prix, before the August break.However, after the weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, Verstappen has distanced himself from George Russell, who was in fourth position.Max Verstappen permanecerá en Red Bull el próximo año. Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto vía Getty ImagesVerstappen’s victory in Saturday’s sprint race gave him a 26-point lead, which increased by two more points during Sunday’s Grand Prix.A driver can score a maximum of 25 points in a race weekend.The Dutch newspaper Der Telegraaf reported that Verstappen will race for Red Bull Racing in 2026. Toto Wolff is completely sure that he will not be able to sign him.Verstappen himself had suggested his stay at Red Bull before the Belgian Grand Prix, referring to the dismissal of the former team boss, Christian Horner.The situation could accelerate movements in the drivers’ market, as the uncertainty about Verstappen’s future had generated a domino effect on the decisions of other drivers.Ironically, Russell seemed the most affected by Verstappen’s possible departure.Russell has not yet signed an extension with Mercedes beyond this season.Russell had expressed his peace of mind regarding the situation and revealed that he had not yet received a contract to sign, which suggests that the negotiations between him and Wolff are not at an advanced stage.Cadillac has two driver seats to fill for its F1 debut in 2026, while Alpine seems to be evaluating the market to find a teammate for Pierre Gasly next season.Verstappen highlighted the importance of the remaining races this year for Red Bull to get ready for 2026.The team, now led by Laurent Mekies, embarks on an unprecedented project next year.With the end of its association with Honda, the team is building its own Formula 1 engines at its UK headquarters in Milton Keynes.Verstappen’s future beyond 2026 will depend on the success of that Red Bull project.Both Der Telegraaf and AMuS have reported that Verstappen could look for other options if Red Bull Racing is not successful next season, suggesting the existence of similar clauses in his 2026 contract part.Waiting one more year will give Verstappen the best opportunity to assess the market. A rule change like the one planned for next season is impossible to predict.
