Max Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull in 2026 was officially confirmed by the driver on the eve of the Hungarian Grand Prix. Given the imminent change in engine regulations and the end of the partnership with Honda, Verstappen’s commitment to the Austrian team reinforces the mutual trust between the driver and technical staff, especially in a context where several other teams are experiencing uncertainty about their future lineups.
Verstappen shuts down rumors about leaving Red Bull
Four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has ended speculation about a move to Mercedes next season by confirming for the first time on Thursday that he will race on with Red Bull.
“I think it’s time to stop all the rumours. For me, it was always quite clear that I was staying,” the Dutch driver told reporters ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. “And that was the general feeling in the team because we are always in discussion about what we could do with the car and when you’re not staying you stop talking about these kind of things. And I never did.”
Engine changes and the impact on drivers’ decisions
Formula One starts a new engine era next year in a major shake-up that could change the pecking order, with Mercedes expected to lead the way while Red Bull is making their own power unit after a split with Honda. Reigning champion Verstappen has known break clauses in his contract, but they have not been triggered, with the 27-year-old third in the standings at the mid-point and with two wins from 13 races.
It was widely accepted in Formula One that Verstappen would be staying, with the rumour mill already turning to a possible exit from Red Bull in 2027 with performance clauses again applying next year. Verstappen otherwise has a Red Bull contract that runs through 2028. The sacking of Christian Horner this month as Red Bull team boss was also widely seen as another step by the energy drink company to convince the sport’s most sought-after driver to stay with them.
Mercedes focuses on stability with Russell and Antonelli
Mercedes’ stance, prioritizing stability over investing in a bid for Verstappen, demonstrates a clear direction for the new generation. By trusting in Antonelli’s emerging talent and retaining Russell, the German team appears to be building its 2026 project on continuity and internal development.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said last week that retaining his current lineup of George Russell and Italian Kimi Antonelli was a priority. Russell told reporters separately at the Hungaroring that he was sure to be racing for Mercedes next year, but nothing would be signed until after the August break, which follows the Hungarian race. While Russell’s current deal expires at the end of the year, he has been under a management contract with Mercedes since he was 16 — meaning his employers are effectively negotiating with themselves.
Amid the technical challenges Mercedes faces this season, Russell’s renewal seems less urgent than improving the car’s performance. The drivers and Toto Wolff’s comments reveal that, despite the lack of a signed contract, there is mutual trust between the parties.
“Conversations have started but we are now heading into the summer break,” said Russell. “Toto and I have spoken a lot this week but we haven’t spoken once about the contract because we’re both trying to solve the car’s performance and get the team in the right place.
Redefining forces: what to expect from F1 post-2026
With Verstappen committed to Red Bull until 2028 and Mercedes betting on continuity, the Formula 1 scenario for next year indicates a consistency criterion.
The decisions already announced suggest that the F1 teams are bracing themselves for the impact of technical changes, focusing on reliable drivers already integrated into their projects.
GCN.com/Reuters