Max Verstappen has shut down speculation linking him with a sensational move to Mercedes, insisting that much of the talk about his Formula 1 future is simply people trying to “create drama.” For weeks,

Rumors continued to simmer until two days ago, when Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko confirmed his expectation that Verstappen would be back in 2026. ESPN's Nate Saunders reported an exit clause in Verstappen's contract came and went, too, making it more likely he'd stay put.

While Marko and Red Bull have their sights set on long-term success, team principal Laurent Mekies believes that there will still be opportunities for Verstappen to record a third Grand Prix victory before the end of the campaign. This view is not shared by the team’s star driver, though.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has named George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli as the team's priority for the 2026 Formula One season. The revelation comes after Max Verstappen was strongly linked to Mercedes.

The $327,000 pony car now has a seal of approval from the reigning four-time Formula 1 World Drivers' Champion.

Red Bull Racing senior advisor Helmut Marko has accused Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff of fueling rumors about Max Verstappen 's switch to Mercedes, especially about the exit clause in the Dutch driver's contract.

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are facing a trip to the stewards after the Hungarian Grand Prix after the FIA launched an investigation into an incident between the pair. Verstappen overtook Hamilton for 11th place at Turn 4 close to the halfway stage of the Hungarian Grand Prix,