Max Verstappen: Public statement issued as decision made on quitting Red Bull
Helmut Marko has confirmed that Max Verstappen will remain with Red Bull next season after the Dutchman chose to stick with his long-standing team. The four-time Formula 1 champion attracted attention from Mercedes, but decided against making the switch from Milton Keynes to Brackley in 2026.
Verstappen's choice reportedly came over the course of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, where he secured an unlikely Sprint race triumph before a fourth-placed finish behind the McLaren pair and Charles Leclerc during the main event on Sunday.
According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Verstappen feels 'comfortable' with Red Bull's current setup and has been encouraged by his initial work with new team principal Laurent Mekies. The Frenchman took over after Christian Horner was axed after 20 years in charge.
Even had Verstappen wished to depart Red Bull in 2025, any separation would have proved complicated. The current world champion's release clause would only have been triggered if he sat fourth or below in the drivers' championship by the summer break, but his performance at Spa-Francorchamps guarantees him third position.
For the moment, however, the rumours can be put to rest. Speaking to Sport.de in the Belgian GP paddock, Marko made it clear that he does not expect the team's star driver to be going anywhere before the 2026 season.
"Yes, I can confirm that Max Verstappen will drive for Red Bull in 2026," he declared. This decision carries significant implications for his competitors as well, not least Mercedes who were the team most strongly linked with the Dutchman, if he decided to make a fresh start.
With his main rival now out of the picture, George Russell is anticipated to pledge his long-term future to the Silver Arrows. Team boss Toto Wolff had previously left the door ajar for Verstappen, but with that option now off the table, contract discussions can move forward.
A report from the Daily Mail following the Belgian GP suggests that Russell is nearing a multi-year extension worth £30million annually. This would place him amongst the highest-paid drivers on the grid, trailing only Verstappen and former team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
It's difficult to dispute that the reported pay rise is anything but merited. Russell matched Hamilton stride for stride during their three years as team-mates, and has matured into the reliable team leader that Wolff had envisaged him becoming. Whether his Mercedes team-mate will achieve similar success is yet to be determined.
Kimi Antonelli's debut season has been a story of two halves so far, and the Italian teenager is facing mounting pressure after six scoreless finishes in seven Grand Prix races. The 18-year-old's contract is set to expire at the end of the season and, unlike his team-mate Russell, there are currently no reports suggesting a new deal is imminent right now.
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