Jul.28 (GMM) Max Verstappen will stick with Purple Bull Racing for the 2026 Method 1 season, in accordance with widespread paddock sources and a key Dutch media report.
De Telegraaf, lengthy thought-about near the Verstappen camp, declared on Sunday: “All hypothesis may be thrown within the trash: Max Verstappen may also drive for Purple Bull in 2026.”
Journalist Erik van Haren wrote that the Dutchman can “now not use the exit clause” in his long-term contract, with the motive force now mathematically assured to complete inside the highest three by the summer season break.
“However that’s merely a formality,” he added on X. “He has already determined he desires to remain.”
Purple Bull workforce boss Christian Horner was formally ousted after Silverstone, amid hypothesis that his refusal to grant Verstappen full contractual freedom for 2027 had strained inner relations to breaking level.
Verstappen is presently signed till 2028.
Sky Deutschland pundit Ralf Schumacher believes Verstappen has opted for stability. “I don’t suppose it is going to be introduced within the subsequent few weeks, however I feel he’ll keep,” he mentioned at Spa. “Nothing is as unsure proper now as 2026.”
In response to Ralf, Verstappen can also have been underwhelmed by Mercedes’ gradual response to his theoretical availability. “Maybe he would have anticipated extra from Mercedes, on condition that it took some time for that to be permitted.
“For now, he’ll keep the place he’s.”
Regardless of stories of a covert assembly between Verstappen and Toto Wolff in Sardinia, the quadruple world champion shrugged it off: “In the event you’re each on vacation on the identical island, that may occur,” he mentioned.
With the exit clause window closed, Verstappen may now solely depart Purple Bull if the workforce grants a launch or a rival workforce pays an estimated $100 million buyout payment. “Leaving with out activating the aforementioned efficiency clause, for instance by waging battle internally and having the contract purchased out, is out of the query,” De Telegraaf added.
Verstappen’s supervisor Raymond Vermeulen declined to remark, pointing solely to the present settlement by means of 2028.
In the meantime, Jos Verstappen, Max’s father and likewise co-manager, appeared tight-lipped when questioned about Horner’s departure on the Spa grid.
“Properly, they determined to alter so I’m high-quality with the whole lot. So so long as it really works,” he mentioned.
When reminded by Nico Rosberg that he had as soon as loudly and repeatedly known as for Horner’s exit, Jos replied on Sky, “That was one and a half yr in the past. It’s completely different. I’ve nothing to say. It’s high-quality.”
Rosberg pushed once more: “Now you’re quiet?!”
Jos: “I’m all the time quiet.”
