The biggest Formula 1 2025 silly season story by far has been the constant speculation that Max Verstappen could quit Red Bull to replace George Russell at Mercedes

Max Verstappen is poised to remain with Red Bull in 2026 as the clause which could have permitted a move elsewhere in Formula 1 won’t become active this season. Verstappen’s prospects have dominated the headlines over the past month since the revelation that his camp has been engaged in active discussions with Mercedes.

Max Verstappen ’s F1 future has been seemingly confirmed after the details of his Red Bull exit clause were revealed. Major changes have taken place at Red Bull in 2025, with team principal Christian Horner sacked and replaced by Laurent Mekies in between Silverstone and Spa.

It is understood that for the break clause to be activated, Max Verstappen would have needed to have been outside of the top three in the championship by the end of the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.

But Verstappen wasn't the only driver who felt that the FIA made the wrong decision regarding the start of the Belgian Grand Prix, as former rival Hamilton agreed with the Dutchman's claims when speaking post-race.

Mercedes is yet to name its 2026 F1 drivers. With interest from Red Bull's Max Verstappen, Luke Smith argues he should join George Russell

Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen has revealed that he misses his personal life due to his commitments in Formula One, addressing the topic of his potential retirement. The four-time world champion and his partner, Kelly Piquet, welcomed their first child together in May 2025.

Max Verstappen has signalled the end of a F1 era after the decision to delay the Belgian Grand Prix in the rain on Sunday. The Belgian GP was delayed by over an hour due to the wet weather and poor visibility at Spa, and Verstappen critical of the decision labelling it as excessively cautious.