Overview

• Helmut Marko officially confirmed that Verstappen will remain with Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season under a contract extending through 2028.
• Verstappen’s Spa-Francorchamps sprint win and race finish activated his performance-based exit clause, but he opted to stay rather than pursue a move to Mercedes.
• Guenther Steiner said the uncertainty over which team will master the sweeping 2026 chassis, aerodynamic and power unit regulations was central to Verstappen’s decision.
• Red Bull has halted development on its 2025 car to direct resources towards a comprehensive 2026 redesign overseen by new team principal Laurent Mekies.
• Mercedes is reassessing its 2026 driver lineup, with George Russell expected to sign a multi-year extension after Verstappen ruled out a switch.