Max Verstappen has ended any lingering speculation over his future with Red Bull Racing by confirming that he will stay at the team into 2026. Verstappen holds a Red Bull contract through 2028 but the team’s drop in performance, and the potential of a break clause, led to speculation that he could seek a move elsewhere.

BUDAPEST - Max Verstappen confirmed he will be racing for Red Bull next season, ending speculation that the four-time Formula One world champion could join Mercedes for the start of a new era in the sport.

A new Red Bull era begins under Mekies at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix. He was appointed after 18 months at Racing Bulls. He worked at Ferrari for five years, as deputy team principal and racing director, and at the F.I.A., which governs Formula 1, for four years, initially as safety director and then deputy race director.