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Max Verstappen has just sent the clearest message yet that he’s staying at Red Bull

Originally posted on HITC | By Tyler Rowlinson | Last updated Dec 9, 2025 1:10 PM ET

Max Verstappen will be looking to reclaim his championship crown in 2026 after losing the 2025 title to Lando Norris.

The Red Bull driver has dominated the ground effect era in Formula 1, winning four consecutive titles between 2021 and 2024. But his seemingly unstoppable run has come to an end at the hands of Norris and McLaren.

Verstappen had a tough start to 2025 as the RB21 proved uncompetitive and difficult to drive. His frustrations with the team sparked rumours that he could try to leave, with Mercedes waiting to pounce.

Toto Wolff was actively trying to lure the Dutchman to the Silver Arrows as he vented his anger towards Red Bull and his lack of results. However, after the sacking of Christian Horner, who was said to be a key reason for his frustration, Verstappen committed his future to the Milton Keynes squad.

Under new team principal Laurent Mekies, Verstappen enjoyed a huge resurgence, going from 104 points off the championship lead after Zandvoort to within a chance of the title in Abu Dhabi. He may have lost out by just two points, but the 28-year-old was proud of what he had achieved,

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Max Verstappen sends his clearest message yet that he is staying at Red Bull

Speaking after the race in Abu Dhabi via the Talking Bull podcast, Verstappen expressed how proud he was of Red Bull in how they turned their fortunes around on and off the track.

“Yeah, I mean, we maximised our weekend. We really did everything we could, so there’s no regrets in that sense,” he said,

“I’m really proud of, also, this team, how we have managed to turn things around and have such a positive atmosphere as well. So, I’m really happy about that.

“We lost by two points, of course it’s a shame, but we had a lot of fun, I think in the last few racing weekends, so yeah, I’ve enjoyed this end of the season.

“I mean, I always give everything for this team. And I know also the team gives everything for me and that’s the only thing that you can ask for really.”

Verstappen’s comments are the clearest sign that he is staying put in Milton Keynes. His commitment to the team and their subsequent improvements highlight their strong bond, which he will hope to carry into 2026.

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How Red Bull could lose Max Verstappen in 2027

Verstappen will be determined to have a successful season in 2026 and would love nothing more than to win his fifth title with the team. However, he has hinted that the new technical regulations could see that change.

The dramatic changes to the rules will see a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical power in the engines. Red Bull will roll out their own power unit in 2026, but there have been doubts about its competitiveness, which have been raised by Verstappen’s camp.

Rumours have suggested that the Dutchman’s entourage is unsatisfied with the state of Red Bull’s 2026 car. It has prompted speculation that Verstappen could leave the team in 2027, with him having an exit clause in his contract that he can activate if he is not in the top two of the championship.

The likes of Mercedes and Aston Martin have been linked with the four-time champion. If Red Bull’s car is not competitive, Verstappen may not think twice about his decision on his future.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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