Red Bull Racing senior advisor Helmut Marko has accused Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff of fueling rumors about Max Verstappen 's switch to Mercedes, especially about the exit clause in the Dutch driver's contract.

Max Verstappen ended weeks of speculation about his future on Thursday when the reigning Formula One world champion said he would be staying with Red Bull in 2026.Four-time world champion Verstappen’s future became a subject of speculation after rival driver George Russell revealed his Mercedes team were talking to the Dutchman's management about his future plans.

The reigning four-time Formula 1 champion said Thursday at the Hungaroring that he would not be leaving Red Bull Racing after the 2025 season. Verstappen’s future has been the subject of intense speculation as the team’s performance has dropped off since the second half of the 2024 season.