The reigning four-time Formula 1 champion said Thursday at the Hungaroring that he would not be leaving Red Bull Racing after the 2025 season. Verstappen’s future has been the subject of intense speculation as the team’s performance has dropped off since the second half of the 2024 season.

Verstappen’s confirmation of the 2026 season comes after Red Bull Racing fired teams principal Christian Horner earlier in the month. And hours after Ferrari confirmed it renewed a contract with teams principal Fred Vasseur.

Max Verstappen has ended any lingering speculation over his future with Red Bull Racing by confirming that he will stay at the team into 2026. Verstappen holds a Red Bull contract through 2028 but the team’s drop in performance, and the potential of a break clause, led to speculation that he could seek a move elsewhere.