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.
Other articles
Mercedes reconfigures suspension following Antonelli's Spa incidents.
Formula 1 | Mercedes has implemented a significant technical reset prior to the Hungarian GP, returning to its former rear suspension configuration after a series of (…)
Apple's F1 movie reaches $509 million as speculation about new deals intensifies.
Formula 1 | Apple's feature film on Formula 1 has officially been recognized as the tech giant's most successful theatrical release, leading to increasing speculation that Apple (…)
Ferrari puts an end to rumors by securing a long-term agreement with Vasseur.
Formula 1 | Ferrari has announced a multi-year contract extension for team principal Fred Vasseur, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty regarding his future with the team (…)
Photo gallery: 07/31. Hungarian Grand Prix, Thursday
© F1News.Ru Editorial Board 1997-2025. Media registration certificate Эл No. ФС77-29173. Registered by the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technologies, and Mass Media.
Gasly requests discussions with the FIA following the rain delay at Spa.
Formula 1 | Pierre Gasly expressed that drivers will initiate discussions with the FIA to enhance decision-making regarding wet-weather racing, following the governing body's postponement of the (…)
Tsunoda protects his position at Red Bull while Hadjar remains a contender.
Formula 1 | With Max Verstappen essentially confirmed at Red Bull for 2026, attention is shifting to who will be his next partner. Yuki Tsunoda, elevated from (…)
Verstappen acknowledges his commitment to stay in 2026, while Russell is considering a brief contract.
Formula 1 | Max Verstappen has officially announced that he will remain with Red Bull through 2026, putting an end to months of speculation about a potential move to Mercedes. (…)