Verstappen acknowledges his commitment to stay in 2026, while Russell is considering a brief contract.
"I didn’t create a soap opera."
Max Verstappen has officially confirmed that he will continue with Red Bull until 2026, putting an end to months of rumors about a potential move to Mercedes.
"I didn’t create a soap opera. I'm not a fan of opera. I just enjoy going on vacation, having fun, coming here to race in Formula 1 cars, and then going home," Verstappen told Sky Italia on Thursday in Budapest.
"The issue is that people talk a lot throughout the season, while the only person who actually can or should comment is silent. That’s me, and I intentionally choose not to speak. Some individuals just like to stir controversy, but for me, it has always been quite clear."
Verstappen continued, "We regularly discuss what we could do with the car. If you’re not interested in staying, you would also stop discussing such topics, and I never did."
This decision impacts George Russell, who is now anticipated to stay at Mercedes, possibly on a short-term contract that leaves options open for 2027.
"I still have trust in Toto and believe in the team. However, the last few months have not been reassuring for either Kimi or myself," Russell mentioned.
"If a shorter contract offers the best opportunity to win, then that's a possibility."
Verstappen also expressed positive remarks about the new team principal Laurent Mekies: "He’s very friendly, quite open, highly motivated, and very driven. I’m really looking forward to what we can achieve together in the future."
Regarding this year's championship race, Verstappen acknowledged: "McLaren will be quite strong here as well, typically out of our reach. Their tire management is exceptional. The way they rotate on the front axle without compromising the rear is impressive. We need to achieve that."
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, when asked whom he favors for the title, stated: "At the moment, Piastri seems to have the advantage, but I wouldn’t discount Norris. Oscar has been impressive so far."
Verstappen also reiterated his long-term ambitions beyond Formula 1: "I want to learn the fundamentals now, what it takes to manage a successful racing team."
His race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will be back this weekend after missing Spa.
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