--- title: "Max Verstappen Is Staying With Red Bull for 2026, ‘Stop All The Rumors’" date: "2025-07-31" modified: "2025-07-31" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/max-verstappen-is-staying-with-red-bull-for-2026-stop-all-the-rumors" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # Max Verstappen Is Staying With Red Bull for 2026, ‘Stop All The Rumors’ ![Max Verstappen]() *\Getty\* The Champ isn't leaving Red Bull. On Thursday, just before the upcoming race in Budapest that leads into a three-week summer break, Max Verstappen [told the media](), "I think it's time to basically stop all the rumors, and for me it's always been quite clear that I was staying anyways." The 27-year-old four-time and reigning World Champion seemed frustrated at all the speculation of his departure, possibly to Mercedes. "Some people just like to stir the pot, some people just like to create drama, but for me it's always been quite clear and also for next year," Verstappen said. The frustration with the rumor mill didn't stop there. Verstappen noted that people are "waffling" so much during the season when the only person that can or should speak isn't speaking, which is him. He noted that's on purpose because it makes no sense to start throwing things around, and "that should be the same for everyone." Verstappen noted that someone can have a personal relationship with someone (referring to Mercedes' Toto) even if you don't have a working relationship. The World Champion noted he's already discussing plans and things they want to change for the RBR race car next year. "If my boat is next to Toto's then the boat is next to Toto's," Verstappen said. Verstappen's confirmation of the 2026 season comes after Red Bull Racing [fired team principal Christian Horner]() earlier in the month. And hours after Ferrari confirmed it had [renewed a contract]() with team principal Fred Vasseur. *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()