Image: from Verstappen News X@verstappenews
By F1 News Desk January 18, 2026
In a definitive move to silence the persistent whispers of the paddock, Max Verstappen has reinforced his commitment to Red Bull Racing. Speaking in a recent interview, the four-time World Champion made it clear that his immediate future is “fixed” and that his primary goal is to fulfill his current contract, which runs through the end of the 2028 season.
Max was asked how long he'll continue in F1: "I'm 28 now and have a contract with Red Bull until 2028. I intend to fulfill it. At this point in time, I rule out a team change." pic.twitter.com/qv9t9pOo9x
— Verstappen News (@verstappenews) January 13, 2026
Ending the Rumor Mill
The 28-year-old Dutchman has been the subject of intense transfer speculation for nearly a year. Despite Red Bull’s internal leadership transitions, including Laurent Mekies succeeding Christian Horner as Team Principal, Verstappen has remained a pillar of stability.
“I’m 28 now, and I have a contract with Red Bull until 2028,” Verstappen told the media. “I want to fulfill that contract. At this point, I’m ruling out a change of team.”
This statement comes at a crucial time as the sport prepares for the radical 2026 technical regulations. While rivals like Mercedes and Aston Martin were previously linked to the Dutchman, Verstappen’s focus has remained internal, particularly on the development of the first-ever Red Bull-Ford power unit.
A New Partner and a New Identity
Verstappen enters the 2026 season with significant changes around him. Following a narrow two-point loss in the 2025 championship to McLaren’s Lando Norris, Verstappen will sport a new look this year:
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Driver Number: Having lost the No. 1 plate to Norris, Verstappen will race with No. 3 in 2026, a number he personally requested from friend and former teammate Daniel Ricciardo.
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Teammate: Verstappen will lead a new-look garage alongside rising star Isack Hadjar, who was promoted from the junior ranks to replace Sergio Perez.
The Marko Factor and Technical Uncertainty
Despite his loyalty, Verstappen admitted that the 2026 season will carry a different emotional weight. For the first time, he will compete without his long-time mentor and friend, Helmut Marko, who departed the team at the end of 2025.
“It’s a shame that I no longer have my friend and sponsor Helmut Marko by my side in 2026,” Verstappen admitted. “I will miss him.”
The upcoming season is viewed by many as a “test of faith” for the relationship. With Red Bull manufacturing its own engines in partnership with Ford, there is a level of technical uncertainty that hasn’t existed since the start of the hybrid era. Verstappen has already noted that “none of us have any idea” how the new car or engine will behave on track in Barcelona, emphasizing that the team must remain calm and prepared for unforeseen challenges.
Verstappen’s 2026 Outlook
| Category | Status/Details |
| Contract Status | Committed until the end of 2028. |
| Race Number | Swapping to #3 (formerly used by Ricciardo). |
| Key Support | Gianpiero Lambiase confirmed to stay as Race Engineer. |
| Main Objective | Reclaiming the World Title from Lando Norris. |
| Relationship | Stable under the leadership of Laurent Mekies. |
By publicly declaring his intention to see out his contract, Verstappen has provided Red Bull with the stability they need to navigate the most complex regulation change in F1 history. While the exit clauses in his contract remain a matter of public debate, the Dutchman’s words suggest that as long as the “Red Bull Ford” project shows promise, his heart remains in Milton Keynes.