Helmut Marko predicts Max Verstappen will stay at Red Bull for F1 2026
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Helmut Marko predicts Max Verstappen will stay at Red Bull for F1 2026 despite rumors of a move to Mercedes or Aston Martin.
Helmut Marko remains confident that Max Verstappen will reject interest from Mercedes and Aston Martin to continue racing with Red Bull for the F1 2026 season. The bold prediction comes amid speculation about Verstappen’s future, despite the Dutchman securing a fifth consecutive World Championship title in 2025.
Rumors of Verstappen’s potential move
Despite being under contract with Red Bull until the end of the F1 2028 season, Verstappen was frequently linked with a switch to Mercedes during the 2024 season. This speculation emerged amid Red Bull’s performance struggles and internal tensions between Verstappen’s father, Jos, and team principal Christian Horner.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff even admitted he “would love to have” Verstappen join his team following Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile departure to Ferrari. However, the Silver Arrows ultimately signed young sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who will race alongside George Russell starting in 2025.
Aston Martin denies Verstappen rumors
Aston Martin recently denied reports that they had been courting sponsors by claiming Verstappen would join their team. A spokesperson stated, “An Aston Martin Aramco spokesperson categorically denied the story.”
Currently, Aston Martin drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are under contract through at least the next two seasons. However, with Aston Martin’s upcoming works partnership with Honda for 2026 and their signing of F1 design legend Adrian Newey from Red Bull, the team has been linked with an ambitious bid to attract Verstappen.
Exit clauses and Red Bull’s plans
Speculation about Verstappen’s future has been fueled by the possibility of performance-related clauses in his contract. According to reports, Verstappen could trigger an exit clause if he fails to remain in the top three of the Drivers’ Championship for a “significant” portion of the 2025 season.
However, Marko has expressed optimism about Red Bull’s ability to deliver a competitive car for 2025. Speaking to German publication Sport Bild, he said, “Our engineers have made good progress with the data. We are optimistic.”
Marko also emphasized Verstappen’s loyalty to the team, adding, “Especially because I know how loyal and grateful he is to Red Bull. That is why he will also be a Red Bull driver in 2026 as a five-time World Champion.”
Mercedes’ F1 2026 preparations
Mercedes is rumored to be positioning itself for a return to dominance under the new F1 2026 regulations, which will introduce 50% electrification and fully sustainable fuels. The Brackley-based team has been tipped to excel under the revised rules after struggling to replicate their dominance from the V6-hybrid era.
Mercedes previously secured eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ titles between 2014 and 2021. However, since the introduction of ground-effect regulations in 2022, the team has managed just five wins over three seasons.
Red Bull’s biggest challenge yet
Red Bull is preparing for 2026 with its in-house Powertrains division in partnership with Ford. In a recent interview, Christian Horner acknowledged the scale of the challenge, saying, “Building your own power unit is by far the biggest challenge we’ve taken on in Formula 1.”
He added, “In four years, we built a factory and developed an engine, but we’re taking on 75 years of experience with Ferrari and 30 years with Mercedes HPP (High Performance Powertrains). The mountain we have to climb is immense, but we believe it is achievable.”
Conclusion
As the F1 2026 season approaches, Max Verstappen remains at the center of speculation. While Mercedes and Aston Martin may be eager to secure his services, Helmut Marko’s confidence in Red Bull’s progress—and Verstappen’s loyalty—suggests the reigning champion will remain with the team that helped him achieve his five World Championships.
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