Red Bull insider confirms Max Verstappen's F1 future

Formula 1

Red Bull insider confirms Max Verstappen's F1 future

Max Verstappen's future has been decided

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Wednesday 30 July 2025 17:00

Much has been said about the future of Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, but Red Bull chief Helmut Marko has now confirmed where he will be driving in 2026.

Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull through until the end of 2028, but that has not stopped huge speculation mounting that he could be on his way to Mercedes for 2026, with reported get-out clauses in his current deal.

However, Verstappen is now set to stay put, according to senior Red Bull advisor Marko.

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In an interview with RTL Network, the senior Red Bull figure said: “Yes, I can confirm that Max Verstappen will be driving for Red Bull in 2026."

Verstappen drowning out the noise on track

Despite the above speculation rumbling on in the background, Verstappen was able to block it all out and deliver remarkably well on track at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Despite driving a Red Bull car that is clearly not up to the standard of the McLaren, the reigning world champion came out on top in Saturday's sprint race at Spa, able to fend off championship leader Oscar Piastri.

Sunday, though, was a reminder that the driver behind the wheel can only do so much, with Verstappen, a driver renowned for his ability in the wet, unable to compete with the McLarens in damp conditions.

In fact, the Red Bull star ended the race fourth, unable to get past the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc in either the wet or dry conditions.

Verstappen left Belgium third in the drivers' standings on 185 points, 81 behind Piastri at the top.

NASCAR Red Bull Max Verstappen Mercedes Oscar Piastri Belgian Grand Prix