Always Quite Clear I'm Staying

Max says he didn't add to talk on Red Bull future as he was focused on performance

- 

BUDAPEST - Max Verstappen ended weeks of speculation about his future on July 31, when the reigning Formula One world champion said that he would be staying with Red Bull in 2026.

The Dutchman said it was time to "stop all the rumours".

"I've never really said anything about it because I was just focused on talking to the team about how we can improve our performance," he explained ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix on Aug 3.

"And that's why I had nothing really to add, but I think it's time to basically stop all the rumours. For me, it's always been quite clear that I was staying anyway."

His remarks follow team adviser Helmut Marko's confirmation on July 28 that the 27-year-old would not be leaving.

The four-time world champion's future became a subject of speculation after rival driver George Russell revealed that his Mercedes team were talking to the Dutchman's management about his plans.