There are situations where you cannot tell whether everything is going well or very badly. The relationship between Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing in 2026 is the perfect example. On one hand, Verstappen keeps repeating that everything is fine, that Red Bull is his family, that he is focused on the car. On the other, Red Bull is considering accelerating its 2027 car development to convince him to stay. Between these two realities stands one certainty: in 21 days, Verstappen will race for the last time at Zandvoort in front of his people, on a circuit that leaves the calendar after this edition. Live this season in style with our Formula 1 t-shirts from Tourismo Clothing.
Verstappen's words: apparent calm, open questions
At the Hungarian Grand Prix press conference, when asked once again about his future beyond 2026, Verstappen answered with disarming directness. No evasion, no diplomatic smile. A direct answer, almost too direct.
I am feeling good, and you know, from my side, what I'm saying is that there is nothing to say because there's nothing going on. I'm just focused on trying to get the most out of the car, that's already complicated enough to deal with. This team is like a second family to me. I'm just trying to understand our car a bit better and of course get back to winning ways.
Max Verstappen, Hungarian GP 2026 press conference
"This team is like a second family to me." That is the sentence everyone remembered. Because it says everything and nothing at the same time. It speaks of belonging. It speaks of loyalty. But it does not speak of a signature. A year earlier, before the 2025 Hungarian GP, Verstappen had announced he would stay at Red Bull for the 2026 season. This year, no such announcement. Just words about family.
Red Bull accelerates the 2027 project: the real answer
What is revealing is what Red Bull is doing in parallel with Verstappen's statements. According to several sources close to the team, Red Bull is considering switching to its 2027 project earlier than planned to reassure its driver. The idea is simple: show Verstappen that the team already has a plan to return to the top next season, and that staying is the best strategic choice.
If everything was truly fine, Red Bull would not need to actively reassure its driver by accelerating its future project. Verstappen is Red Bull's most valuable asset. Losing him would be a commercial and sporting catastrophe. They know it. He knows it.
Verstappen in 2026: exceeding expectations regardless
What complicates the situation is that Verstappen is outperforming the car. In Hungary, with a bold strategy of 29 laps on soft tyres, he grabbed a second place that nobody had anticipated. Ferrari admitted being "surprised" by Red Bull's decision. Verstappen himself said he wants to get back to winning.
Lando Norris and Max Verstappen overdelivered in Hungary, and that is symbolic of their F1 2026 seasons.
Motorsport.com analysis after the 2026 Hungarian GP
5th
Verstappen in the championship · 113 pts behind Antonelli
21
Days until Zandvoort · His last home race
3
Consecutive wins at Zandvoort (2021–2022–2023)
The two scenarios for Verstappen's future
✅ Scenario 1 · He stays at Red Bull
Loyalty and the 2027 project
Red Bull accelerates its 2027 development and convinces Verstappen that the team will be competitive for the title next season. Verstappen, who grew up in this team, signs an extension before the end of the season. The marriage continues. The most likely scenario according to paddock insiders.
❌ Scenario 2 · He leaves
Mercedes? Ferrari? New adventure?
If Red Bull fails to convince on its 2027 project, other doors exist. Mercedes will need a driver if Russell does not confirm his performances. A free Verstappen would be the signing of the decade. Unlikely, but not impossible.
Zandvoort: the circuit as revealer of an era
In 21 days, Verstappen will climb into his car at Zandvoort for what may be the last time in his life as an F1 driver on this circuit. Because Zandvoort leaves the F1 calendar after 2026. Three consecutive wins from pole in 2021, 2022 and 2023. A painful defeat against Piastri in 2025. And now, in 2026, a farewell under difficult sporting conditions, with a car that does not allow him to fight for victory every weekend. The script is written for drama or redemption. Verstappen in front of 300,000 orange fans, in his last home race, with the entire contractual storyline in the background.
Championship standings
| Pos | Driver | Team | Points | Gap |
|---|
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 219 | Leader |
| 2 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 169 | 50 pts |
| 3 | George Russell | Mercedes | 160 | 59 pts |
| 4 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 138 | 81 pts |
| 5 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 106 | 113 pts |
| 6 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 113 | 106 pts |
Other paddock news today
- Antonelli and the Minardi lawsuit: The championship leader is facing legal action from his former manager Giovanni Minardi, the historic F1 team boss who helped launch the young driver's career. The dispute concerns a representation contract. Antonelli has not commented publicly.
- Norris denied Hamilton his first Ferrari pole in Hungary: Hamilton was on course for his first pole position with Ferrari. Norris denied him that at the very last moment. Hamilton said the car "finally felt alive this weekend" despite the qualifying disappointment.
- Russell's engine problem in Q3 in Budapest: Russell suffered an engine issue in Q3 that compromised his qualifying. Mercedes reliability remains the black mark of the season, though the problems seem to affect each car differently.
- The 2026 Bahrain GP will take place in Malaysia: Official. The round planned in Bahrain will be relocated to Malaysia due to the regional context. A notable calendar change for the end of the season.
Verstappen, Red Bull and Zandvoort: the most complex triangle in F1 2026
In 21 days, when Verstappen pulls away from the Zandvoort grid for the last time in his career, all eyes will be on him. Not just for the race, not just for the Sprint, but for what that image represents. A legendary driver who says his team is his family, who outperforms with an imperfect car, who has not yet signed for 2027. And 300,000 orange fans screaming his name hoping to see him win one last time before the curtain falls on Zandvoort. F1 does not often write scenarios this loaded. In 21 days, it will need to find an ending. Discover the full passion of this season at tourismoclothing.com.
Second family. Uncertain future. Final farewell in 21 days. Verstappen is at the centre of everything.
Frequently asked questions
Will Verstappen stay at Red Bull after 2026?
At the 2026 Hungarian GP, Max Verstappen stated there was "nothing to say" about his future because "nothing is going on", adding that Red Bull is "like a second family". Unlike 2025, when he announced his extension before Hungary, no similar announcement came in 2026. Red Bull is considering accelerating its 2027 car development to reassure him and convince him to extend his contract beyond the current season.
Why is Zandvoort so important for Verstappen in 2026?
The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort (21–23 August) will be the last F1 race on this circuit, which leaves the calendar permanently after this edition. For Verstappen it is therefore the last chance to race at home in front of his 300,000 orange fans on a track where he has taken three consecutive wins from pole position (2021, 2022, 2023). An emotionally charged farewell in a particularly complex sporting and contractual context.
How did Verstappen perform at the 2026 Hungarian GP?
Max Verstappen took a very surprising 2nd place at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix thanks to a bold Red Bull strategy: a long stint of 29 laps on soft tyres that caught Ferrari off guard. The Italian team admitted being "surprised" by that decision. Several analysts noted that Verstappen had outperformed the actual level of the 2026 Red Bull, which is representative of his season.
What is the Minardi versus Antonelli affair?
Kimi Antonelli, the 2026 championship leader, is facing legal action brought by Giovanni Minardi, the former F1 team principal who helped launch the young driver's career. The case concerns a representation and management contract whose fulfilment or financial compensation Minardi is seeking. Antonelli has made no public statement on the matter.
What is the F1 standings before the 2026 Dutch GP?
Before the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix (21–23 August at Zandvoort), the drivers' standings are: 1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) 219 pts, 2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) 169 pts, 3. George Russell (Mercedes) 160 pts, 4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 138 pts, 5. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 106 pts, 6. Lando Norris (McLaren) 113 pts. Antonelli leads by 50 points over Hamilton and 59 over Russell. Saturday's Sprint awards 8 additional points before Sunday.
