Helmut Marko has officially stated that Max Verstappen will continue with Red Bull in the upcoming season, opting to remain loyal to his current team. Despite attracting interest from Mercedes, the four-time Formula 1 champion decided against switching teams in 2026.
Verstappen’s decision was reportedly solidified during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, where he claimed victory in an unexpected Sprint race but finished fourth in the main event behind the McLaren duo and Charles Leclerc.
As per reports from Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Verstappen is content with Red Bull’s current structure and is impressed with the new team principal, Laurent Mekies, who took over following Christian Horner’s departure.
Even if Verstappen had considered leaving Red Bull in 2025, it would have been complex due to contractual obligations. His release clause would have only been activated if he ranked fourth or lower in the drivers’ championship by the summer break, which is now impossible as his recent performance secured him third place.
Speaking at the Belgian GP, Marko confirmed Verstappen’s continuity with Red Bull in 2026 and emphasized the significance of this decision for rival teams, particularly Mercedes. With Verstappen out of the equation, it is anticipated that George Russell will commit to Mercedes long-term.
Recent reports suggest that Russell is close to signing a lucrative multi-year extension worth £30 million annually, positioning him as one of the highest-paid drivers on the grid, trailing only Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
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Russell’s potential pay rise is well-deserved, considering his performance alongside Hamilton and his evolution into a reliable team leader. As for his Mercedes counterpart, the extent of their future success remains uncertain.
In contrast, Kimi Antonelli’s debut season has been challenging, with the young Italian facing pressure after multiple disappointing finishes. With his contract expiring soon, unlike Russell, there are currently no indications of an imminent renewal for Antonelli.