Red Bull Racing is currently facing some difficulties in achieving good results, after a set of bright victories at the beginning of the current year. It is a rather tight hold they have on the two titles: the drivers’ and constructors’ championships as they sustain their positions at the top.
Rumors about their star driver, Max Verstappen, future persist still. This tendency was only fueled by the recent vague statements made by the senior advisor Helmut Marko regarding Verstappen’s long-term future with the team, especially, since the rumors increase as the 2026 deal is being discussed.
Marko Remains Vague on 2026 Plans
When asked about Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull beyond 2024, Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko provided a brief and vague response. Marko was asked about Red Bull’s plans for Max Verstappen for 2025 and 2026 on OE24. Marko responded,
Next year he will drive for Red Bull Racing. A follow-up question: And in 2026? Marko: Mah … It’s so far away. Now our full focus is on the 2024 championship.
This noncommittal reply has not helped to still the ongoing rumors about his long-term future. He has signed a contract with Red Bull Racing until 2028 with a pay package that can only be regarded as mouth-watering.
Speculation Surrounding Max Verstappen’s Future
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Nevertheless, speculations about his switching teams have been rife all year notwithstanding his contract. At the initial of this season Red Bull’s internal issues, notably Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, even began to question and criticize Max Verstappen’s loyalty to the team. Toto Wolff, who is the team principal of Mercedes has been vocal in his admiration for Max which has only heightened rumors about the possible departure.
As a result, Horner went on record to threaten Wolff stating that Mercedes should stay out of his affairs. Nonetheless, people think that Mercedes could be one of the attractive targets that may attract him, particularly after the new Formula 1 rules are introduced in 2026. For now, Max is performing for the Red Bull racing team. But it is not certain here that he will be leaving Red Bull or wanting to join another racing team before the contract expires with Red Bull.
Mercedes’ Long-Term Driver Lineup
However, Mercedes’ has thought of its future driver plans. As things go and with Lewis Hamilton scheduled to retire shortly, Wolff has settled on Kimi Antonelli as Hamilton’s replacement. Antonelli is expected to become one of Mercedes’ main drivers along with George Russell, who is also Mercedes’s key driver. This would seem to leave little chance for him at Mercedes, however, speculation remains rife.
As Red Bull continues to struggle on the track, rumors surrounding his future are unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Speculation about Max Verstappen potentially joining Mercedes in 2026 and beyond will persist if Red Bull doesn’t significantly improve their performance.
