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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Zach Koons

Max Verstappen Set to Stay at Red Bull in 2026, Putting New Team Leadership on the Clock

After rumors linking him to Mercedes, Max Verstappen will stay at least another year with Red Bull. | Gabriele Lanzo/Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto/Getty Images

The first domino of the Formula One 2026 drivers’ market has fallen—and it’s a big one. 

After months of speculation, four-time reigning world champion Max Verstappen will remain with Red Bull next season, team advisor Helmut Marko said Monday in an interview with German publication Sport.De. Despite reported interest from Mercedes, Verstappen will stay with the team where he’s spent nearly the entirety of his F1 career for the start of the new regulations period.

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