Max Verstappen is poised to remain with Red Bull in 2026 as the clause which could have permitted a move elsewhere in Formula 1 won’t become active this season.
Verstappen’s prospects have dominated the headlines over the past month since the revelation that his camp has been engaged in active discussions with Mercedes.
The Dutchman hadn’t guaranteed that he would continue with Red Bull, as he indicated in the lead-up to last week’s Belgian Grand Prix that he had a decision to make.
But while he missed out on a podium at Spa-Francorchamps, Verstappen has ensured that he can’t drop lower than third in the Drivers’ Championship at the next race.
This is pivotal as it is believed that there is a break clause prevalent in Verstappen’s deal with Red Bull related to where he is in the standings come the summer break.
Verstappen’s three-point gain on George Russell has granted him a 28-point cushion to the driver behind, with a maximum of 25 available at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
And while there have been reports that Mercedes is willing to expend a colossal sum to sign Verstappen, the reigning F1 champion is touted to be content at Red Bull.
Red Bull began a new era over the weekend as Laurent Mekies took the reins on the pit wall, having been selected to succeed the ousted Christian Horner at the helm.
Verstappen handed Mekies, who has outlined the desire to cling onto the 65-time race winner’s services, a victorious start when he prevailed in the 15-lap Sprint Race.
Verstappen gives indication about Red Bull future
Verstappen signalled that he will not be leaving Red Bull as he spoke post-race about how the team can absorb lessons from 2025 despite an impending rule change.
“I think it’s still important also this year to learn certain things, because they will also have an effect on next year,” Verstappen told media including Motorsport Week.
“Because the cars will be completely different, but there are still things that we can work on and take also to next year.
“Of course, engineering and everything, the car design, of course, is on the way for next year, but we can still learn a lot also this year.”
With Verstappen expected to remain where he is, Mercedes is in a position where it can announce George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli as an unchanged pairing.
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