Max Verstappen has stated for the first time that he will continue with Red Bull, following George Russell’s admission that he is close to securing a new deal with Mercedes.
Verstappen’s exit option in his Red Bull agreement can no longer be triggered after his fourth-place finish in Belgium last Sunday guaranteed he would be no lower than third in the championship standings before the summer break, which follows the Hungarian Grand Prix.
When asked at the Hungaroring if he could confirm he would remain with Red Bull in 2026, Verstappen responded: “Yes. I never discussed it much before because my priority was working with the team on improving our results, future plans, and next season, so there was nothing to add.
“But now it’s time to end the speculation. For me, it was always clear that I was staying, and the team felt the same way. We’ve been constantly talking about car development, and if I wasn’t planning to stay, I wouldn’t have been involved in those discussions—which I always was.”
Mercedes has openly expressed interest in signing the four-time world champion, but Russell, despite strong performances this year, has yet to finalize a contract for 2026.
Before Verstappen’s comments, Russell, who reportedly received a proposal from Mercedes in recent days, said: “Talks have started. We’re heading into the summer break now.
“I’ve had several discussions with Toto [Wolff] this week, but we haven’t focused on the contract—our priority has been improving the car’s performance. That’s the honest truth.
“I want to enjoy my two-week break—the only time off I get all year—without thinking about contracts. There isn’t significant pressure from either side, especially with Verstappen likely staying at Red Bull.
“Not that I was worried, but from the team’s perspective, that situation makes a difference. Personally, I was never concerned about losing my seat. Right now, I’m focused on this weekend, helping the team recover from recent struggles. Then, I’m looking forward to a proper holiday and some training.”
When the suggestion was made that Russell will definitely drive for Mercedes next season, with only contract details left to settle, he replied, “Yes, I guess so.”
While speculation persists about Verstappen potentially switching to Mercedes, sources close to Russell have suggested for weeks that the 27-year-old is highly confident about extending his contract.
Russell currently holds 157 points compared to teammate Kimi Antonelli’s 63 after 13 of 24 races. Mercedes sits third in the constructors' standings.
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