Max Verstappen has confirmed he will remain with Red Bull for the 2026 Formula 1 season, putting an end to uncertainty over the four-time world champion’s short-term future.
The Dutchman, who has won four successive drivers’ titles, had been heavily linked with Mercedes following a drop-off in Red Bull’s performance and amid expectations the Silver Arrows will have a strong package when new regulations are introduced for next season.
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff had admitted over the last month that he was in conversations over trying to sign Verstappen, but maintained throughout that the 27-year-old was more likely to make a switch at some point after the 2026 season.
Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, but is understood to have release clauses in his contract that could enable him to exit the team earlier.
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Watch Max Verstappen’s first lap overtake on Oscar Piastri in the Belgium GP Sprint Race where he claimed victory
Asked about his future ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, the last before the sport’s summer break, Verstappen said: “The thing is always that people are waffling so much throughout the whole season, while the only one that actually can or should speak is not speaking. That’s me.
“And I do that on purpose because it makes no sense to start throwing things around, and actually that should be the same for everyone.
“Some people just like to stir the pot, some people just like to create drama. But, for me, it’s always been quite clear, and also for next year.
“I’m discussing with the team already the plans, the things that we want to change for next year. So that means that I’m also staying with the team for next year.”
More to follow…
Sky Sports F1’s Hungarian GP Schedule
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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments throughout the years at the Hungarian Grand Prix
Friday August 1
8.50am: F3 Practice
10am: F2 Practice
12pm: Hungarian GP Practice One (session starts at 12.30pm)
1.55pm: F3 Qualifying
2.50pm: F2 Qualifying
3.35pm: Hungarian GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
5.15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday August 2
9am: F3 Sprint
11.15am: Hungarian GP Practice Three
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: Hungarian GP Qualifying build-up*
3pm: Hungarian GP Qualifying*
Sunday August 3
7.25am: F3 Feature Race
8.55am: F2 Feature Race
10.40am: Porsche Supercup Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Hungarian GP build-up*
2pm: The HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Chequered Flag: Hungarian GP reaction
*also on Sky Sports Main Event
F1 heads to the Hungarian Grand Prix for the final race before the sport’s summer break, watch live on Sky Sports F1 from Friday. For Sky customers, Sky Sports F1 is now found on channel 407. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
