Overview

• On media day at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen confirmed he will remain with Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season.
• He held reported discussions with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff but decided to stay with the Milton Keynes–based outfit.
• Red Bull currently sits fourth in the Constructors' Championship and Verstappen trails the drivers' leader by 97 points this season.
• Former driver Juan Pablo Montoya suggested that a dip in performance this year may have halved Verstappen's market value from about $100 million to $50 million, limiting his negotiation stance.
• Analysts say the decision secures technical continuity and preparation time for sweeping chassis and power-unit regulation changes slated for 2026.