Max Verstappen has confirmed he will remain with Red Bull for the 2025 Formula 1 season, ending months of intense speculation regarding his future.
Why it matters:
Verstappen's decision solidifies the driver lineup at Red Bull amidst a period of fluctuating team performance and upcoming technical regulation changes in 2026.
The context:
- For several months, the reigning champion was heavily linked with a potential move to Mercedes, especially with new technical regulations set to reshape the grid.
- A performance clause in his current contract is no longer active, meaning Verstappen cannot unilaterally depart Red Bull at the end of the current campaign.
- Red Bull's performance has seen a dip over the past year, with rivals McLaren notably improving and, at times, surpassing them in the pecking order.
What's next:
While his position for next season is confirmed, further speculation about Verstappen's long-term future is anticipated, particularly as the competitive landscape for the 2026 regulations becomes clearer. His current contract runs until the end of 2028.