Verstappen commits to Red Bull, Russell relieved

Max Verstappen has committed to Red Bull for 2026 and hopes to “stop the rumours” ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

Since his opening lap DNF at Austria, the F1 paddock has been swirling with theories as to how and when Verstappen could leave Red Bull.

These went into overdrive after former long-standing team principal, Christian Horner was sacked by the team.

Despite still being the only non McLaren driver to take multiple wins in 2025, Verstappen’s frustration has clearly been growing as Red Bull is no longer the fastest team on the grid.

Amid all the outside noise, Verstappen had always danced around the subject as a move for 2026 was less likely than 2027 following the first season of the new regulations.

However, Hungary, the final race before the summer break, is finally the scene where Verstappen has made it clear he is not leaving the team he has won four championships and broken records at since his famous switch from Toro Rosso at Spain in 2016.

It comes after Verstappen moved 28 points clear of Russell in the standings, ensuring the contract clause cannot be broken for 2026.

“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 had nothing really to add,” he said.

“But I think it’s time to basically stop all the rumours, and for me it’s always been quite clear that I was staying anyway.

“I think that was also the general feeling in the team anyway, because we were always in discussions about what we could do with the car. 

“And when you’re not interested in staying, then you also stop talking about these kind of things and I never did.

“I don’t know. I mean if you ask me that question next year, then yes, and we’ll have that speculation.

“But I never speak about it (Verstappen replied when asked about exit clauses). 

“Because I’m more interested in just working on the performance of things, so that’s why I also never really talk about what is in my contract.”

In addition to Red Bull, which places all of its eggs in the Verstappen basket, the most relieved man will be George Russell.

Despite stepping up in the absence of Lewis Hamilton and enjoying one of his career-best seasons, Russell looked set to be the driver dropped by Mercedes if its chase of Verstappen was successful, with rookie Kimi Antonelli preferred.

Russell, who has been a Mercedes-backed driver throughout his career, admitted the recent period of speculation was not easy to deal with.

For my whole career until last year, the team have supported me so much and given me such amazing opportunities – and our goals have been aligned, and what has been in the best interest of the team has also been in the best interest of me,” Russell said.

“Now, of course, these last six months have been a very unique situation where I don’t have a huge power in that sort of agreement, and maybe the interests were not aligned for some time. Which has, of course, put me at risk for these last six months.

“Then it was my job to perform and reduce that risk.

“I still trust Toto (Wolff) and I still trust in the team that they will always support me as long as I am performing, so that’s what I need to focus on.

“But of course, for both Kimi and I, these past months have not been the most assuring for our future – and that’s just been a bit conflicting.”

The 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix begins with practice tonight.

Image: Photo by Mark Thompson / Red Bull Content Pool

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