Pink Bull has given its clearest indication but that Max Verstappen will stick with the group as Components 1 enters a brand new period of rules in 2026.
Talking after the Belgian Grand Prix, Pink Bull advisor Helmut Marko confirmed that the Dutchman will proceed with the Milton Keynes outfit for what can be his eleventh consecutive season.
“Sure, I can verify that Max Verstappen will drive for Pink Bull in 2026,” Marko informed Sport.de.
Marko’s remarks come simply forward of the summer season break and the purpose within the 2025 season when an exit clause may very well be activated in Verstappen’s contract.
Whereas the precise phrases of the clause have by no means been made public, stories recommend that Verstappen would solely be free to depart if he fell outdoors the highest three positions within the standings after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
At the moment, Verstappen holds a 28-point buffer over Mercedes rival George Russell, that means he’s mathematically assured to stay within the high three after this weekend’s race in Budapest.
Verstappen’s future has been a significant speaking level all through the 2025 season, pushed partly by Pink Bull’s dip in type and Mercedes’ overtures in direction of the four-time world champion.
Nonetheless, Mercedes group boss Toto Wolff appeared to shift his stance throughout the Belgian GP, strongly hinting that the group will retain its present line-up of Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli for 2026.
With Mercedes now not actively pursuing Verstappen, there are not any different top-tier seats obtainable on subsequent 12 months’s F1 grid.
