Max Verstappen stays put at Red Bull next year

Four-times F1 champ, Max Verstappen, confirmed recently that he is staying with Red Bull next year. It ends speculation that he was considering a move to Mercedes next season.

RNZ reports: “I think it’s time to stop all the rumours. For me, it was always quite clear that I was staying” he said ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

Formula 1 starts a new engine era next year in a major shake-up that could change things up completely. Mercedes is expected to lead the way while Red Bull is creating its own power unit following a split with Honda.

Currently, the 27-year-old Verstappen sits third in the standings at the mid-point of the season. He has had two wins from 13 races.

Most in the paddock thought he would be staying with Red Bull for the 2026 season. However, the rumour mill suggested a possible exit in 2027 with performance clauses applying next year. His contract with Red Bull runs through 2028.

The recent sacking of Christian Horner was seen as a Red Bull move to retain the sport’s most sought-after driver.

“Some people just like to stir the pot, some people just like to create drama. But, for me, it’s always been quite clear,” said Verstappen.

What of the other teams? Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said last week that he wants to retain his current line-up of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

Russell told reporters separately at the Hungaroring that he was sure to be racing for Mercedes next year, although he has not signed as yet.

Meanwhile, Ferrari has announced a multi-year contract extension with Formula 1 team boss Fred Vasseur, ending speculation about the Frenchman’s future.

Vasseur, 57, was key in persuading seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton to join Ferrari this season.

Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna said: “Today we want to recognise what has been built and commit to what still needs to be achieved. 

“It reflects our trust in Fred’s leadership, a trust rooted in shared ambition, mutual expectations and clear responsibility.”

Vigna said recently that it would take more than three years to turn things around at Ferrari. He denied approaching anyone else.

Ferrari is second in the championship after 13 of the season’s 24 races. However, the team is 268 points adrift of dominant champions McLaren.

Hamilton, who has 105 wins under his belt, has yet to stand on the podium for his new employers, aside from a sprint win in Shanghai earlier in the year.