Crimson Bull has given its clearest indication but that Max Verstappen will stick with the workforce as System 1 enters a brand new period of rules in 2026.
Talking after the Belgian Grand Prix, Crimson Bull advisor Helmut Marko confirmed that the Dutchman will proceed with the Milton Keynes outfit for what could be his eleventh consecutive season.
“Sure, I can verify that Max Verstappen will drive for Crimson Bull in 2026,” Marko advised Sport.de.
Marko’s remarks come simply forward of the summer time break and the purpose within the 2025 season when an exit clause may very well be activated in Verstappen’s contract.
Whereas the precise phrases of the clause have by no means been made public, reviews recommend that Verstappen would solely be free to depart if he fell exterior the highest three positions within the standings after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Presently, Verstappen holds a 28-point buffer over Mercedes rival George Russell, that means he’s mathematically assured to stay within the high three after this weekend’s race in Budapest.
Verstappen’s future has been a serious speaking level all through the 2025 season, pushed partly by Crimson Bull’s dip in kind and Mercedes’ overtures in direction of the four-time world champion.
Nonetheless, Mercedes workforce boss Toto Wolff appeared to shift his stance in the course of the Belgian GP, strongly hinting that the workforce will retain its present line-up of Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli for 2026.
With Mercedes now not actively pursuing Verstappen, there are not any different top-tier seats accessible on subsequent yr’s F1 grid.
