Max Verstappen to Remain At Red Bull F1 Amid Mercedes Contract Rumors, Marko Says

Red Bull Racing team advisor Helmut Marko ruled out the exit of star driver Max Verstappen after the 2025 Formula One season.

"Yes, I can confirm that Max Verstappen will drive for Red Bull in 2026," he said to German outlet Sport.De (via ESPN).

The comments come after ESPN's Nate Saunders reported Monday that Verstappen's contract includes a release clause. He could've made a clean break from Red Bull if he had been fourth or lower in the driver's standings after the Hungarian Grand Prix this week.

The four-time F1 champion sits third in the standings behind McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in what's shaping up to be a two-horse race for the title. Still, there's no chance George Russell can overtake Verstappen for third at the Hungaroring, so the exit clause can't be triggered.

Rumors about Verstappen's future predated Saunders' report. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed in June he was interested in poaching Verstappen with Russell's deal expiring.

Ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, though, Wolff signaled a desire to run it back with Russell and Kimi Antonelli in 2026.

Red Bull's decision to sack team principal Christian Horner was also read by some as a way to keep Verstappen happy amid a disappointing season. He distanced himself from the move and downplayed any impact it might have on his long-term future.

Needless to say, Verstappen swapping Red Bull for Mercedes would be a blockbuster. While he's on pace to have his worst finish since 2020, the 27-year-old's reputation precedes him.

But the Dutchman won't be going anywhere for now.