Overview

• Max Verstappen said discussing transfer rumors is a waste of time and reiterated his commitment to Red Bull with attention on executing the 2026 regulations.
• Toto Wolff said he explored speaking to Verstappen but rated Mercedes’ chances as low after George Russell noted his own contract talks paused, while Verstappen stated he will drive for Red Bull in 2026 and remains contracted through 2028 with reported performance clauses.
• Red Bull sits fourth after key exits including Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley and Christian Horner, with new lead Laurent Mekies in place as Verstappen urges rebuilding and has scored the vast majority of the team’s points.
• Ferrari chief Frédéric Vasseur said double disqualifications in Shanghai forced higher ride heights that cost pace, with the team now second on 260 points but far behind McLaren’s 559 at the summer break.
• Oscar Piastri explained McLaren split strategies in Hungary, sticking to two stops as Lando Norris attempted a one-stop gamble to try to beat Charles Leclerc.