Max Verstappen Swerves Red Bull Racing Future Questions Ahead Of Hungarian GP

Published 24 July 2026 · sports

Max Verstappen Swerves Red Bull Racing Future Questions Ahead Of Hungarian GP Published By, Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 19:53 IST Verstappen has brushed aside

Max Verstappen Swerves Red Bull Racing Future Questions Ahead Of Hungarian GP Published By, Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 19:53 IST Verstappen has brushed aside fresh speculation over his Red Bull future, insisting he's focused solely on improving the car. Rapid Read Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen (AP) Max Verstappen has refused to fuel speculation over his Formula One future, insisting there is “nothing to say" despite renewed questions about whether he could leave Red Bull at the end of the season. Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, the four-time world champion chose not to repeat the firm commitment he made a year ago when he publicly confirmed he would stay with Red Bull for 2026. Instead, the Dutchman said his full attention remains on helping the team improve its struggling car.

“I feel good and from my side what I’m saying – that there’s nothing to say – is because there’s nothing going on," Verstappen said. “For me, I am just focused on trying to get the most from the car and that’s already complicated enough to deal with." Taking It One Race At A Time Verstappen admitted Red Bull is still trying to unlock the full potential of its current package after an inconsistent campaign that has left him seventh in the drivers’ championship. While the team has shown flashes of improvement, he believes progress remains gradual. “We’re still trying to understand the basics of the car. Some weekends, the performance has been a bit more straightforward. Sometimes we have a few issues. But it’s an upward trend." He added that the competitive nature of Formula One means even minor upgrades from rivals can quickly alter the pecking order.

“If someone comes with an upgrade and it’s two-tenths or three-tenths, it looks a bit different and so we have to take it race by race really." Contract Clause Still A Talking Point Verstappen’s long-term Red Bull contract reportedly includes a performance clause that could allow him to leave if the team is no longer capable of fighting for championships. For now, though, there appear to be few realistic alternatives. Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren have all publicly committed to their current driver line-ups for next season, limiting Verstappen’s options despite persistent speculation. The Dutchman also reiterated the strong bond he still shares with Red Bull. “This team is like a second family to me and of course I want to understand our car a bit better and get back to winning." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Siddarth Sriram After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas.