Helmut Marko Reaffirms Verstappen's Red Bull Commitment Through 2026

Helmut Marko has expressed confidence that Max Verstappen will continue with Red Bull through the 2026 F1 season, despite rumors linking him to potential moves to Mercedes or Aston Martin. Verstappen's contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, and Marko believes the team’s advancements in car performance will solidify his loyalty. Mercedes, which showed interest in Verstappen, particularly after Lewis Hamilton's departure, has secured Andrea Kimi Antonelli as a future prospect, while Aston Martin has also confirmed that they are not pursuing Verstappen.

Verstappen himself has emphasized his strong ties to Red Bull, describing it as a second family and indicating that any considerations to leave would not be taken lightly. Marko downplayed the speculation surrounding Verstappen's possible shift amid discussions of future driver lineups, reaffirming that the driver's commitment to Red Bull is strong. Despite potential changes in technical regulations expected in 2026 and the ongoing investigation into Red Bull's management, Marko remains resolute in his belief that Verstappen will stay with the team, maintaining their collaborative focus on competitive performance.