New Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies stressed that four-time Formula One champion Max Verstappen is "central" to the project of bringing the team back to the top. "Max is central to the project and he's key to the project and we need his magic at the racetrack.

Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle has confidently stated Max Verstappen will stay at Red Bull for 2026. Verstappen has been strongly linked with a move to Mercedes for much of the 2025 season, and both Toto Wolff and George Russell have confirmed talks have been ongoing with Verstappen's team over a potential transfer.

New Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies said he is making it his mission to provide Max Verstappen with a competitive car to remove any doubts of seeking a move away.