Max Verstappen has shut down speculation linking him with a sensational move to Mercedes, insisting that much of the talk about his Formula 1 future is simply people trying to “create drama.” For weeks,

Max Verstappen has expressed predicted that Red Bull will not win another Formula 1 race this season, after qualifying eighth for the Hungarian Grand Prix.The Dutchman could not extract anymore from his RB21 in Q3 at the Hungaroring,

Rumors continued to simmer until two days ago, when Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko confirmed his expectation that Verstappen would be back in 2026. ESPN's Nate Saunders reported an exit clause in Verstappen's contract came and went, too, making it more likely he'd stay put.