Max Verstappen Shuts Down Mercedes F1 Rumors, Says He's Staying at Red Bull for 2026

Formula One star Max Verstappen removed any doubt as to his allegiances beyond the 2025 season.

The four-time champion said Thursday he won't be leaving Red Bull and is already mapping out next year.

"Yeah, I mean, it's quite interesting to follow all that and the amount of nice stories that came out of it," he said, per ESPN's Laurence Edmondson. "But yeah, for me, I've never really said anything about it because I was just focused on talking to the team about how we can improve our performance, future ideas for next year as well.

"And that's why I have nothing really to add ever. But yeah, I think it's time to stop all the rumors. And for me, it's always been quite clear that I was staying anyway."

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said in June he was interested in poaching Verstappen with George Russell's contract expiring at the end of the season.

Rumors continued to simmer until two days ago, when Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko confirmed his expectation that Verstappen would be back in 2026.

ESPN's Nate Saunders reported an exit clause in Verstappen's contract came and went, too, making it more likely he'd stay put.

If the 27-year-old sat fourth or worse in the drivers standings after the Hungarian Grand Prix, he would've had the option of leaving Red Bull free and clear. Heading into Sunday's race at the Hungaroring, he's locked into third place for now, so the clause is a moot point.

According to Sky Sports, Mercedes and Russell are working toward a multiyear extension, which is yet another sign pointing to the status quo staying intact.

Maybe there comes a time when Verstappen, who's signed through 2028, is no longer driving for Red Bull. That possibility isn't happening anytime soon.