Advisor Helmut Marko issued the strongest confirmation yet, leaving Red Bull’s top brass with a clear task going into next season.

Moreover, team principal Christian Horner was dismissed from his role by Red Bull, though Verstappen has since said his exit will not have any bearing on his own future. Throughout the entire saga, it has been known that there is a performance-related release clause in Verstappen’s contract which runs until 2028.

Former Formula One driver Jenson Button has backed Max Verstappen 's move to Mercedes, saying he would form an excellent driver lineup with George Russell. While that would mean replacing Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Button said the junior driver is yet to showcase his true talent.