Former F1 driver Martin Brundle has defended Max Verstappen sticking with Red Bull next season, describing it as "absolutely" the right call whilst criticising the "clickbait" rumours.
On media day ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, the four-time world champion confirmed he will race for Red Bull next season.
The Dutchman had been heavily linked to Mercedes; however, a contract exit clause for the summer has become void, due to Verstappen not being able to enter the break any lower than third in the standings.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and George Russell revealed talks with Verstappen had taken place, whilst it was rumoured that the Red Bull star met Wolff in Sardinia.
Verstappen's and Wolff's yachts were spotted ahead of the Belgian GP docked alongside each other in Sardinia, leading to rumours of a meeting.
The rumour was quickly deemed to be clickbait, with Brundle noting that if the duo wanted to meet it could have easily happened in Monaco – where both individuals live.
Asked if Verstappen sticking with Red Bull for 2026 is the right call, Brundle told Sky F1: "Absolutely. Red Bull were never going to play the card with Christian Horner without ensuring that it meant Max was going to stay.
"So that was as clear as day. Max has chosen, on a number of occasions not to confirm anything where he's going. Of course, the whole nonsense about yachts and holidays, they all live in Monaco.
"They only need to cross the street if they want to have a chat about a contract. So that all got brewed up on the internet and the clickbait. But I think what Max will do now is take a view, see what happens."
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Verstappen's 2027 options
Whilst Verstappen will continue with Red Bull next season, there remains significant uncertainty on what will happen for 2027.
Next year represents the first of the new power unit regulations, with several drivers set to find themselves with an expired contract at the end of 2026.
As a result, Verstappen will likely have all the big teams, except McLaren, to choose from for a move away from Red Bull, should the Austrian outfit struggle as a powertrain supplier.
"The crystal ball has never been more opaque for a Formula 1 driver because of the changes with the chassis and the power unit for 2026. Who's going to get it right?" asked Brundle.
"He knows that there will be a Ferrari seat, at least a Mercedes seat, a Red Bull seat, and probably an Aston Martin seat available to him for '27."
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