Verstappen set to stay in driver's seat with Red Bull
Team adviser Helmut Marko said on Monday (Tuesday AEST) that the four-time defending F1 champion would return to the team in 2026, despite reported interest from Mercedes.
A widely reported exit clause in Verstappen's Red Bull contract would have allowed him to leave the team at year's end if he were fourth or lower in the championship standings as of the Hungarian Grand Prix, which takes place this Sunday.
After Australian Oscar Piastri's victory at the the Belgian Grand Prix last Sunday, Verstappen sits in third place in the standings and far enough ahead of fourth-placed George Russell (28 points) that he cannot be caught in Hungary.
The understanding of Verstappen's situation was confirmed when Marko spoke to German outlet Sport.De.
"Yes, I can confirm that Max Verstappen will drive for Red Bull in 2026," Marko said.
Mercedes' cars are currently occupied by Russell and potential rising star Kimi Antonelli, but team boss Toto Wolff has not denied looking into pursuing Verstappen, the most successful F1 driver since his first championship in 2021.
This month, Red Bull abruptly dismissed team principal Christian Horner and replaced him with Laurent Mekies.
Verstappen's agent told a Dutch outlet at the time that Verstappen remained committed to the team despite the change.
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