Red Bull Racing Formula One driver Max Verstappen made it clear in recent weeks that he will continue to race for his team in 2026, amid his links to Mercedes. Now, his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, has revealed the actual reason for the decision to stay with Red Bull next year.
Red Bull faced several struggles this year, from the RB21 being unable to support Verstappen in establishing his dominance again, to the ouster of former team principal Christian Horner. Despite the Dutchman’s contract lasting until the end of 2028, the situation led many to question if Verstappen would explore other options for the 2026 season, especially when Red Bull would be using its own power unit next year, which is being developed with Ford under the Red Bull Powertrains banner.
With no prior experience in developing power units, Red Bull’s 2026 project could be viewed with skepticism. But the same applies to the other power unit suppliers this time, since the 2026 engine is unlike anything they’ve made before. With F1 entering a new era of regulations next year, cars will be powered by electric power and internal combustion in an equal ratio.
The new cars will also feature active aerodynamics and a brand new chassis, and drivers will be required to provide more technological input on the race track. Despite a keen Mercedes interest on the table, Verstappen stressed that he was going to race for Red Bull next year. In an interview with De Telegraaf, Vermeulen revealed the logic behind the four-time world champion’s decision to stay. He said:
“Everything could change next year with the new regulations. So it’s better to wait and see how things develop and who is where. Based on that, you can then look further ahead.
“This is nothing new, you know. In 2016, we moved from Toro Rosso to Red Bull, and later from Renault to Honda in terms of engines. Those are all moments when you think: ‘What’s going to happen now?’ Those are developments that the three of us – Max, Jos [Verstappen] and I – are constantly monitoring. And Max ultimately has the final say.
“It would be a fantastic story if he drove his entire Formula 1 career for Red Bull. But that will only happen if he has the equipment to win.”
When asked about the possibility of Verstappen being unable to be successful next year, he said:
“Yes, that’s possible. But that could also apply to others. It would have been a huge gamble if he had signed a contract somewhere else for next year. There are no guarantees whatsoever. Everyone is making predictions, but they are all assumptions.
“Next year, it’s not just about the engine, but also about the chassis. And which people will be recruited here, what impact will that have? It’s a kind of puzzle you’re putting together. Hence the conclusion that it’s better to stay for at least another year.
“Max wants to win more championships in the future. He’s not done yet in that regard, but he is dependent on the equipment. So I think 2026 will be a very important year, which will determine where his future lies in Formula 1.”
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