While the future of Max Verstappen has been the subject of rumors in recent weeks against a background of interest from Mercedes, Helmut Marko confirmed that the quadruple world champion would remain a Red Bull driver in 2026.
Helmut Marko whistled the end of recess. For several weeks, the future of Max Verstappen has been talking a lot with the Mercedes stable which seemed to the ranks to attract the quadruple world champion next season. However, the indices leading to a status concerning the native of Hasselt have multiplied.
First of all, there was Toto Wolff who was less affirmative concerning his interest in the Dutch pilot with a view to the 2026 exercise, opening the door to the maintenance of the duo composed of George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, both at the end of the contract in a few months.
Finally, the performance clause included in Max Verstappen’s contract is no longer able to be activated since the Red Bull driver will reach the summer break in third place in the pilot world championship. Helmut Marko, on the other hand, did not take gloves during an interview with the German channel RTL and to the German -speaking site sport.de On the sidelines of the Belgian Grand Prix, disputed last weekend at Spa-Francorchamps.
Verstappen keeps the possibility of leaving before the end of his contract
“I can confirm that Max Verstappen will pilot for Red Bull in 2026,” said the advisor to the Motor Sport of the Austrian group specializing in energy drinks. Words that go in the direction of those of the Dutch pilot, who had slipped last Thursday wanting to “pilot for Red Bull until the end of (his) career”.
However, this confirmation will reassure Laurent Mekies and the Milton Keynes stable staff only for a period of twelve months. Indeed, if Max Verstappen is officially under contract until the term of the 2028 season, the performance clause could also be activated for the 2027 financial year. And this while a new technical regulation will come into force next year, marked by the transition to an engine designed by Red Bull and its new PowerTrains division in association with the American manufacturer Ford.
If the new set was to lack performance, the future of the quadruple world champion could again be talked about and it would be very complicated to keep a pilot of the Max Verstappen caliber if a more interesting boat should be available.
