Max Verstappen will not move to Mercedes. © ANSA / OLIVIER MATTHYS

Now it's fixed: Verstappen will also drive for Red Bull in 2026

Motorsport consultant Helmut Marko has confirmed that Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen will continue to drive for the Red Bull racing team next year.

July 28, 2025

From: dpa

“Yes, I can confirm that Max Verstappen will drive for Red Bull in 2026,” Marko told the broadcaster RTL/ntv and the platform sport.de.

Previously, the Dutch daily newspaper The Telegraph reports that a departure after this season is no longer an option for the 27-year-old. This also means that a quick move to the Mercedes factory team, which has been hotly speculated about for months, is off the table.

Helmut Marko announced that Max Verstappen would be staying. © APA/afp / GIUSEPPE CACACE

The four-time world champion still has a contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, but is dissatisfied with the current sporting situation. He has lost touch with the leaders of McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Furthermore, there have been repeated reports of possible exit clauses. According to The Telegraph there would have been another clause, but this can no longer apply.