P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen has committed to Red Bull for 2026, but will he remain beyond that?
Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner believes Max Verstappen will wait until the end of the 2026 season before deciding whether to leave Red Bull, as his contract with Red Bull does not expire until the end of 2028, with various exit clauses making a move possible.
Verstappen confirmed he will remain with Red Bull for next season, dispelling rumors of a switch to Mercedes, particularly with Red Bull becoming a power unit supplier.
Steiner suggests Verstappen will assess the performance of cars under the new regulations in 2026 before making a decision on his F1 future, expecting the Dutch driver to consider the competitive landscape before choosing his team for 2027.
He emphasized the importance of selecting the right team and car, cautioning against a premature move to Mercedes without certainty of competitiveness, noting the challenges of escaping a multi-year deal if the car does not perform up to expectations.
Verstappen’s focus for now remains on Red Bull for the upcoming season, with the possibility of re-evaluating his options at the end of next year based on performance and championship prospects.
