Verstappen: "It's time to put an end to all these rumors"

Four-time reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen, the focus of speculation that he would join Mercedes next year, will remain with Red Bull in 2026, he confirmed on Thursday on the sidelines of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

"I think it's time to put an end to all these rumors, it has always been very clear to me that I will stay," the Dutchman told the media at the Hungaroring circuit.

Asked in recent weeks about his future at Red Bull, which has been struggling this season against the powerful McLaren, Verstappen had never clearly expressed his intention to stay.

"I never really said anything about it because I was just focused on talking to the team about improving our performance, ideas for the future and next year," he explained, on the eve of the summer break.

The 27-year-old driver, officially signed with Red Bull until 2028, is currently third in the drivers' standings, 81 points behind leader Oscar Piastri and 61 points behind his McLaren teammate Lando Norris.

Although Verstappen will not be able to take the reins of the championship on Sunday against McLaren, the Dutchman is already certain to hold on to his third place for the time being, as behind him, the Briton George Russell is 28 points behind and the maximum number of points to be won this weekend is 25.

A position that may seem anecdotal for a multi-champion like "Mad Max", but which could have been important for his future at Red Bull.

Indeed, Verstappen had a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave Red Bull before the end of 2028 if he does not finish in the top three in the drivers' championship during the summer break – a clause that can no longer be applied.

Influential Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko had already assured several German media outlets on Monday that Verstappen "will drive for Red Bull in 2026."