Overview
- Max Verstappen told Blick he intends to fulfil his Red Bull contract through 2028, saying he is ruling out a team change at this point.
- German outlet Bild, as relayed by GPFans, reports an alleged change that would let Verstappen terminate his deal after 2027 if he is not leading the championship, a claim not independently confirmed.
- Red Bull’s 2026 pairing is set with Verstappen alongside newcomer Isack Hadjar after his 2025 season at Racing Bulls.
- Verstappen said he will miss long-time mentor Helmut Marko, who departed at the end of 2025, following earlier exits of Christian Horner and Adrian Newey.
- With sweeping 2026 regulations and Red Bull–Ford power units approaching, observers note added scrutiny on Red Bull’s performance as speculation persists about contract clauses.