P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen is set to stay at Red Bull in 2026 despite a lengthy period of speculation over his immediate future within the team.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko affirmed that it would have been futile for Max Verstappen to leave the team at the end of the year. Verstappen’s potential departure has been a perennial topic due to Red Bull’s recent performance struggles, leading Mercedes’ Toto Wolff to express interest in him. However, Marko recently confirmed that Verstappen will stay with Red Bull next season since the clauses in his contract couldn’t be activated. Marko pointed out that with new technical regulations in effect next year, it wouldn’t have made sense for Verstappen to switch teams. He emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming changes, underlining the importance of considering all factors before making a decision. Marko aims to prevent future contract speculation by ensuring Red Bull provides a competitive car for Verstappen, with hopes of returning to the front of the grid in the coming season.
