Max Verstappen has shut down speculation linking him with a sensational move to Mercedes, insisting that much of the talk about his Formula 1 future is simply people trying to “create drama.” For weeks,

Rumors continued to simmer until two days ago, when Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko confirmed his expectation that Verstappen would be back in 2026. ESPN's Nate Saunders reported an exit clause in Verstappen's contract came and went, too, making it more likely he'd stay put.

Helmut Marko has hailed Max Verstappen’s decision to stay with Red Bull for the F1 2026 season as a “big release” for the team. And he has revealed that team is determined to produce “a better car for him next year” – despite former team principal Christian Horner’s recent hint that Red Bull could struggle at the start of F1’s new era.