Verstappen downplays exit speculation as Red Bull's performance gets better.

      Max Verstappen has adopted a noticeably more relaxed attitude regarding his future as Red Bull embarks on the Hungarian GP weekend, showing signs of progress both on the track and off. Following months of rumors about exit clauses, competing teams, and growing displeasure with Formula 1’s 2026 regulations, the four-time world champion asserts that no moves are currently underway.

      "What I can say is that there’s nothing to say because nothing is happening right now," Verstappen stated. "I feel good. And I feel good here."

      Verstappen referred to Red Bull as "a second family" and affirmed that his focus remains on enhancing the challenging RB22. "I’m just trying to better understand the car and, of course, get back to winning," remarked the Dutch driver. "We want to win races again."

      "That is quite challenging since we are still grasping the fundamentals of the car. We nearly secured a Grand Prix victory in Austria, and Spa-Francorchamps was also a positive weekend. That kind of performance needs to become more consistent; one weekend goes well, and the next, we encounter various issues," Verstappen commented.

      Nevertheless, he is optimistic that things are beginning to improve. "There is a positive trend. We are gradually enhancing our performance and genuinely making progress."

      "That’s encouraging, but we must see how other teams respond with upgrades and whether they leap ahead." Verstappen humorously mentioned he could echo last year’s pessimistic remark about not achieving any more wins after Hungary, which preceded six victories following the summer break.

      However, he does not foresee another significant turnaround this time. "The situation is very different now. It’s not comparable," noted the 28-year-old.

      Verstappen also dismissed any insinuation that his criticisms of the current cars suggest he is considering retirement. "I’m 28, and of course, I could retire, but I love racing and I try to adapt to what we have, even if it’s not what I enjoy right now," he explained.

      He pointed out that Fernando Alonso’s age alters the retirement conversation for the Spaniard. "Fernando is already 45, so it’s probably easier for him to say, ’I’m leaving.’ But for a true racing driver, it’s tough—especially when you’re not satisfied with the current regulations and can’t compete for top positions."

      Verstappen believes his candid criticisms of the regulations are now being better understood. "It’s not enjoyable to drive these cars, nor to keep discussing it. But people inquire, and I think they deserve an honest response. I simply express my thoughts, and when I did that in the early part of the World Championship, some people quickly labeled me as ’always whining,’ claiming I should be quiet since my car isn’t fast."

      "But I feel that more people are beginning to share my perspective."

      Red Bull is also set to reintroduce its problematic ’Macarena’ rear wing in Hungary, following failures that had caused Verstappen to go off the track in Austria and Britain. "We presume it’s been resolved, but obviously, I don’t know for sure," Verstappen told Viaplay. "They’ve conducted several tests and run more simulations. Hopefully, it will now function correctly. That’s the aim."