Particle.news
Download on the App Store
11 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Red Bull Affirms Verstappen’s Intent to Stay as 2026 Engine and Regulation Overhaul Looms

Red Bull’s Ford-backed engine project faces its first real test under 2026’s sweeping chassis and power unit regulations with Verstappen able to trigger performance-based exit clauses if results falter.

Formula One F1 - British Grand Prix - Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain - July 4, 2025 Red Bull team principal Christian Horner talks to the media before practice REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
Head coach Christian Horner of United Kingdom and Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 28, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria.
Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team and George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team talk in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 29, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
Formula One F1 - British Grand Prix - Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain - July 4, 2025 Red Bull team principal Christian Horner talks to the media before practice REUTERS/Andrew Boyers

Overview

  • Max Verstappen’s contract runs through 2028 and includes exit clauses that he can activate based on performance benchmarks.
  • Christian Horner has stated that Verstappen intends to race for Red Bull in 2026, though he would not categorically rule out an early exit.
  • Media speculation continues to link Verstappen to Mercedes despite Red Bull’s insistence that the driver-team relationship remains stable.
  • Red Bull Powertrains has partnered with Ford to build its own power unit but admits it trails established manufacturers in engine development expertise.
  • Formula 1’s 2026 rules introduce the largest simultaneous chassis and power unit changes in decades, creating uncertainty over the championship pecking order and Verstappen’s future decisions.