Red Bull Formula 1 team principal Christian Horner believes that Max Verstappen will remain with the team for next year, reports AP.
Verstappen has already said several times that he will be committed to Red Bull for 2026. The reason for his words was the reaction of Mercedes' George Russell, who hinted that his team had spoken to the Dutch driver. Russell himself does not have a contract for 2026, BTA adds.
Verstappen has a contract until 2028 with Red Bull, but there is also a clause related to his performance that could allow him to leave earlier. The exact details, however, are not publicly known.
"Verstappen is planning to drive for us in 2026. But it is inevitable, he is of huge interest to every other team," Horner announced, suggesting that Russell "probably caused all this speculation" to strengthen his position in negotiations with Mercedes.