Max Verstappen has announced that he will continue to race with Red Bull in Formula 1 in 2026, triggering an end to the speculation that he could move to Mercedes.
There had been doubts surrounding Verstappen’s position at Red Bull since the staggering revelation last month that his camp had held renewed talks with Mercedes.
But while he had reiterated his desire to see through his current deal until 2028, Verstappen hadn’t assured that he would remain with Red Bull beyond 2025 until now.
However, Verstappen ensuring that he won’t go into the upcoming summer break outside the top three in the standings has guaranteed his exit clause won’t be active.
READ MORE – Max Verstappen poised to remain at Red Bull for F1 2026 as break clause expires
The Dutchman insisted that he has never considered leaving Red Bull, though, citing that his focus has remained on helping to enhance the team’s on-track prospects.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s quite interesting to follow all that and the amount of nice stories that came out of it!” Verstappen quipped to media including Motorsport Week.
“For me, I’ve never really said anything about it because I was just focused on talking to the team about how we can improve our performance, future ideas for next year as well.
“And that’s why I have nothing really to add ever. But yeah, I think it’s time to basically stop all the rumours. And for me, it’s always been quite clear that I was staying anyway.
“I think that was also the general feeling in the team anyway, because we were always in discussions about what we could do with the car.
“I think when you’re not interested in staying, then you also stop talking about these kinds of things. And I never did.”
Verstappen reluctant to discuss contract talks
Verstappen has stated that he will share the same unwillingness to engage in discussions over his future should rumours about a switch elsewhere materialise again.
When asked whether he anticipates whispers about his commitment to Red Bull arising in 12 months, the reigning F1 champion responded: “I don’t know.
“If you ask me that question next year, then yes, we will have that speculation.
“But for me, I never speak about it. I’m more interested in just working on the performance of things. That’s why I also never really talk about what is in my contract.”
READ MORE – Max Verstappen denies doubt over 2026 Red Bull F1 prospects behind Mercedes talks
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