Helmut Marko has hailed Max Verstappen’s decision to stay with Red Bull for the F1 2026 season as a “big release” for the team. And he has revealed that team is determined to produce “a better car for him next year” – despite former team principal Christian Horner’s recent hint that Red Bull could struggle at the start of F1’s new era.

Verstappen, the four-time world champion, had been rumored to be making a switch to Mercedes, but now he will stay at Red Bull at least through 2026.

Max Verstappen seems set to stay with Red Bull for F1 2026. He gave major thought to leaving, but staying put for now makes the most sense

A very disappointing Hungarian Grand Prix weekend led to the four-time world champion claiming that Red Bull will not win another race this year, amid McLaren dominance

With his ninth place during the Grand Prix of Hungary, it was a dramatic weekend for Max Verstappen. His RB21 lacked balance and both the Dutchman and Red Bull were unable to make an impact. Robert Doornbos expressed criticism of the Austrian racing team after the Hungarian weekend came to an end.

The investigation into Max Verstappen 's pass on Lewis Hamilton at the Hungarian Grand Prix has resulted in no further action, as the stewards deemed that the Dutchman had not forced the Ferrari driver off the road at Turn 4.

Max Verstappen suggested after the Hungarian Grand Prix that it was a 'startled' Lewis Hamilton that led to an FIA investigation for the Dutchman. ➡️ READ MORE Ferrari’s loss of pace towards the end of the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday could have been sparked by fears relating to Lewis Hamilton’s disqualification earlier this year in China.