The Dutch driver Max Verstappen said on Thursday that “it’s time to put an end to all the rumors” and therefore confirmed that he will stay with the Red Bull Racing team in Formula 1 for the 2026 season, after Englishman George Russell admitted he is close to signing a new contract with Mercedes.
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Three weeks ago, Red Bull fired their team principal, Christian Horner, who had a very bad relationship with Jos Verstappen, Max’s father.
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Verstappen dismisses Mercedes
Before the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend and a three-week summer break, Verstappen was asked about negotiations with “Toto” Wolff, director of Mercedes, and the Dutch driver stated that he will stay with the team based in Milton Keynes next season.
“Some people just like to stir things up and others just like to create drama, but for me it has always been quite clear and will also be for next year,” Verstappen added in his press conference.
“I am already discussing with the team the plans, the things we want to change next year, which also means that I will stay with the team next year,” said the current Formula 1 champion.
Then he added that “I think it’s time to put an end to all the rumors and for me it has always been quite clear that I would stay anyway.”.
Despite being CEO of Red Bull Racing for a short time, the Dutchman praised the appointment of Laurent Mekies as a replacement for Horner. “We talked about many things, to be honest,” Verstappen declared. “He is very kind, very open, and very motivated,” he insisted.
Max Verstappen continued with praise for Mekies and said, “He is creating a pleasant environment and I am very excited about the future and what we can do together,” he admitted. “Of course, this year the influence on the car is difficult. You jump in halfway through the season, but of course, looking ahead, you have much more voice and influence. At least for me, he is presenting the right questions and ideas,” he concluded.
Verstappen is currently third in the F1 drivers’ championship with 185 points, far behind the leader Oscar Piastri of McLaren, who has 266 points.