Max Verstappen Will Continue Driving For Red Bull In 2026 Season, Says Helmut Marko

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Max Verstappen, a four-time Formula One champion, will remain with Red Bull for at least another season, according to team advisor Helmut Marko. Verstappen has been a dominant force since his first championship win in 2021, breaking numerous records along the way. He led the drivers' standings for 63 consecutive races from the Spanish Grand Prix in 2022 to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2024.

Verstappen's achievements include holding the record for most consecutive wins, with ten victories between Miami and Italy in 2023. His 19 wins out of 22 races that year set a new benchmark for any single season. Despite these successes, his future with Red Bull has been uncertain due to the team's inability to provide a competitive car in 2025.

This season, Verstappen is third in the drivers' standings, trailing McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Red Bull is currently fourth in the constructors' championship. The team's struggles have led to speculation about Verstappen's future, especially after the mid-season departure of long-serving team principal Christian Horner.

Mercedes has shown interest in acquiring Verstappen, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his career. Although he is contracted with Red Bull until 2028, there are clauses that allow him to leave earlier. However, Marko remains optimistic about Verstappen staying through the new regulations starting in 2026.

"Yes, I can confirm that Max Verstappen will drive for Red Bull in 2026," Marko told German outlet Sport.De on Tuesday.

Verstappen recently finished fourth at the Belgian Grand Prix after winning his 12th sprint race a day earlier. The F1 season continues with the Hungarian Grand Prix this Sunday. Verstappen aims to break a six-race streak without a podium finish, his longest since similar runs between Brazil 2017 and Azerbaijan 2018.

The upcoming race marks Verstappen's 200th appearance with Red Bull. Only Lewis Hamilton has more starts with one team, having raced 246 times for Mercedes. This milestone highlights Verstappen's long-standing association with Red Bull amidst ongoing challenges.