Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen opened up on the incident with Lewis Hamilton during the Hungarian Grand Prix, which came under the scanner of the FIA stewards. Verstappen believed there was no need for an investigation since their cars did not make contact.

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.

Verstappen is under contract at Red Bull until 2028, but his future was under scrutiny in recent months amid continued links to Mercedes