Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, has stated it`s “impossible to say 100 per cent” whether Max Verstappen will continue driving for the team in 2026.
Reports emerged earlier this week suggesting intensifying talks between Verstappen and Mercedes, indicating the Dutch driver is reportedly open to a significant change of teams. This speculation about the 27-year-old`s future has been a major talking point in Formula 1 recently, fueled by comments from Mercedes acknowledging discussions, despite Verstappen`s existing contract with Red Bull running until 2028.
Horner commented on their relationship with Verstappen, describing it as “great” and stating their agreement`s details are confidential. He initially said that if circumstances remain unchanged, he is “100 per cent” certain Verstappen would be with them next year.
However, when pressed for absolute certainty regarding 2026, Horner`s tone shifted, asking rhetorically if one could be 100 per cent sure about any driver`s situation, including George Russell`s position at Mercedes the following year.
Verstappen has consistently avoided making definitive statements about his post-2025 future. It is understood his contract contains clauses related to performance. Specifically, a clause is believed to allow him to potentially leave Red Bull after the current season if he is not within the top four positions in the Drivers` Championship standings by the summer break, which follows the Hungarian Grand Prix on August 3.
Currently, Verstappen is third in the standings, holding a nine-point lead over Russell and 36 points over Charles Leclerc of Ferrari. There are three races scheduled before the summer break, where a maximum of 83 points are available, including points from a Sprint weekend in Belgium.
Horner publicly acknowledged for the first time the existence of performance clauses within Verstappen`s contract. He maintained that Verstappen`s current intention is to drive for Red Bull in 2026, but also admitted it is “inevitable” that a driver of Verstappen`s caliber attracts significant interest from other teams.
Horner suggested that George Russell likely initiated the recent wave of speculation, possibly as a tactic to clarify his own situation, acknowledging Russell`s strong performance this season. Horner added that such speculation is constant but stressed that the situation is clear internally between Verstappen and the Red Bull team.
He emphasized the crucial nature of the relationship between the driver and the team, noting that Verstappen has been part of the Red Bull family since the beginning of his racing career, achieved all his F1 success in Red Bull cars, and is a fundamental member of the squad.
Despite the external noise and speculation, Horner expressed confidence in the team`s current position and understanding with Verstappen. He stated, “Internally, we know where we`re at.”
Looking ahead, Formula 1 faces a major regulatory overhaul in 2026 with completely new car designs expected to significantly alter the competitive landscape. Mercedes is widely anticipated to be strong under these new regulations, recalling their dominance in the early turbo-hybrid era, which was the last major engine rule change.
Red Bull is developing its own power units in collaboration with Ford for 2026. Historical trends indicate that new engine manufacturers often face challenges in immediately competing at the very front, a factor contributing to the uncertainty surrounding whether Verstappen would commit to this new phase.
Horner acknowledged that motorsport operates in cycles and Red Bull aims to build towards the next successful period, ideally with Max. He admitted the challenge of entering as a new power unit manufacturer in 2026 is immense.
However, he expressed belief in Red Bull`s capable team, significant investments, and strong culture. While cautiously stating it would be “embarrassing for Mercedes” or any established manufacturer if Red Bull were immediately ahead in 2026, he predicted they would be in a competitive position, potentially relative to other new power unit entrants. He highlighted the significant advantage of having chassis and engine development integrated “all under one roof,” calling it “priceless” for packaging and communication, which will pay dividends long-term, potentially from 2027 or 2028 onwards, solidifying Red Bull`s future.
