Max Verstappen will continue racing for Red Bull during the 2026 Formula One season following the expiration of a performance-related exit clause in his contract.
The four-time world champion's secure third position in the current drivers' standings has made it impossible for him to fall outside the top three before the summer break, which was reportedly the key condition for activating his escape option.
The Dutch driver currently holds a 28-point advantage over Mercedes' George Russell in fourth place.
With only 25 points available at this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix before the August shutdown, Verstappen's top-three position is mathematically guaranteed.
Max Verstappen's exit clause in his Red Bull contract has expired
|Reuters
This development effectively closes the door on widespread speculation about a potential switch to Mercedes.
The performance-based mechanism in Verstappen's contract, which runs until 2028, required him to be outside the championship's top three by the conclusion of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend for activation.
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Reports say that whilst a theoretical buyout option exists, reportedly valued at approximately €120 million, such a move appears unlikely.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has recently indicated his preference to maintain his current driver pairing of Russell and Kimi Antonelli for the upcoming season, further diminishing prospects of any immediate transfer.
Verstappen has expressed enthusiasm about working with Red Bull's new team principal Laurent Mekies, who assumed leadership following Christian Horner's dismissal.
The 27-year-old delivered a Sprint race victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, marking Mekies' debut weekend in charge.
"I get along very well with him, so that's already a bonus," Verstappen told Dutch media.
"Hopefully, we can continue to strengthen our relationship in the coming weeks and months."
According to Dutch journalist Erik van Haren, Verstappen had already determined he wished to remain at Red Bull irrespective of the exit clause situation, suggesting a strong commitment to the Milton Keynes-based team.
Whilst Verstappen's 2026 seat is now secured, possibilities for a future departure remain open.
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Max Verstappen could only finish fourth at the Belgian Grand Prix | GETTYDutch newspaper De Telegraaf reports that the driver could still pursue a move in 2027 should Red Bull face competitive difficulties under Formula One's major technical regulation changes next year.
The new rules framework, set to revolutionise the sport in 2026, presents an uncertain landscape for all teams.
Should Red Bull fail to adapt successfully to these sweeping changes, Verstappen's long-term future at the team could once again come under scrutiny, with Mercedes remaining a potential destination beyond next season.
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