Max Verstappen statement issued as Dutchman makes final decision on quitting Red Bull

Helmut Marko has confirmed that Max Verstappen will be driving for Red Bull next season after the Dutchman made the decision to keep faith in his long-time employers. The four-time world champion was subject to interest from Mercedes, but opted against swapping Milton Keynes for Brackley in 2026.

Verstappen's decision reportedly arrived at the Belgian Grand Prix, where he delivered an against-all-odds sprint race victory, before finishing a frustrating fourth behind the McLaren duo and Charles Leclerc on Sunday. According to De Telegraaf, Verstappen is feeling 'comfortable' with the current operations at Red Bull and took inspiration from his early collaboration with new team principal Laurent Mekies. The Frenchman replaced Christian Horner after the British Grand Prix, becoming just the second boss in the squad's storied F1 history.

Even if Verstappen wanted to leave Red Bull in 2025, the path through divorce would have been a messy one. The reigning world champion's exit clause would have only been active if he were fourth or lower in the Drivers' Championship standings during the summer break, and his results at Spa-Francorchamps locked him into third place.

For now, though, the speculation can end. Addressing Sport.de in the Belgian GP paddock, Marko issued a statement. "Yes, I can confirm that Max Verstappen will drive for Red Bull in 2026," he declared.

This decision has significant implications for his rivals, too. With his main competition now out of the frame, George Russell is expected to commit his long-term future to Mercedes. Team principal Toto Wolff had previously been keeping the door open for Verstappen, but with that door now closed, contract talks can progress.

A Daily Mail report after the Belgian GP alleged that Russell is closing in on a multi-year extension worth £30million per year. This would make him one of the best-paid drivers on the grid, behind only Verstappen and former team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

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It is hard to argue that the reported pay increase is anything but deserved. Russell went toe-to-toe with Hamilton throughout their three years as team-mates, and has evolved into the consistent team leader that Wolff had envisioned him becoming.

Whether or not his Mercedes team-mate will reach the same heights remains to be seen. Kimi Antonelli's rookie season has been a tale of two halves thus far, and the Italian teenager is coming under increasing pressure after six pointless finishes in seven Grands Prix.

The 18-year-old is out of contract at the end of the campaign and, unlike team-mate Russell, there are so far no reports of a new deal being close to completion. While Antonelli is still expected to enjoy a second season to show off his ability, nothing is guaranteed until he signs on the dotted line.