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,

An incident involving Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton will be investigated after the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix. Verstappen overtook Hamilton with an audacious move into Turn 4 as the great rivals battled over 11th place but the seven-time world champion was forced wide in the process.

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.