Max Verstappen announces official F1 2026 seat decision

Max Verstappen has officially confirmed he will remain at Red Bull for the 2026 F1 campaign.

Verstappen has consistently been linked with a move away from the Milton Keynes-based squad over the last year.

The speculation intensified in recent months as a performance clause in his contract was revealed as Red Bull began to slip back in the pecking order.

With Mercedes yet to confirm its line-up for next year and team principal Toto Wolff known to have an interest in signing the Dutchman, the Brackley-based squad was highlighted as a potential destination for Verstappen.

Verstappen consistently failed to declare he would officially remain at Red Bull beyond the current campaign when questioned about the speculation this year.

However, earlier this week Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko stated Verstappen would remain at the team next year following the expiration of the performance clauses.

Speaking to media including RacingNews365 ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen verified his position within the team for 2026.

“It was quite interesting to follow all of that and the nice stories, let's say it like that, that came out of it,” Verstappen said.

“For me, I've never really said anything about it because I was focused on talking to the team about how we can improve our performance, future ideas for next year as well.

“That's why I had nothing really to add, ever.

“But I think it's time to stop all of the rumours. For me, it's always been quite clear that I was staying anyway.

“That was also the general feeling in the team anyway. We were always in discussions about what we could do with the car.

“When you're not interested in staying, you stop talking about these kind of things, and I never did.”

With Verstappen confirming his stay for 2026, some have theorised the Dutchman will use the season to get an overview of who commences the sport's new era under fresh technical regulations in the best position before making a decision for 2027.

When asked if he expects more speculation over his future to emerge next year, Verstappen replied: “I don't know - if you ask me that question next year then yes we will have that speculation.

“But for me, I never speak about it, because I'm more interested in just working on the performance [side] of things. 

“That's why I also never really talk about what is in my contract.”