Thursday in Formula 1 was marked by an update on Max Verstappen’s future and technical changes ahead of the Belgian GP. Red Bull and McLaren also detailed their choices for Spa-Francorchamps, while the category definitively ruled out a new date for the Bahrain GP.
Read more F1: What time and where to watch the 2026 Belgian GP practice sessions tomorrow? Find out here
Raymond Vermeulen, Verstappen’s manager, stated that the four-time champion’s intention is to fulfill his contract with Red Bull until 2028. He also downplayed the recent meeting with Jos Verstappen and Helmut Marko, explaining that the meeting was already scheduled and did not signify preparation for the driver’s departure. According to Vermeulen, the existence of a contractual clause does not indicate that it will be used.
In preparation for Spa, Red Bull decided to temporarily abandon the rear wing known as “Macarena” and will return to the conventional system. The choice was made after failures in the aeroactive mechanism that contributed to Verstappen’s accidents in Austria and England. The team will still evaluate whether it can recover the solution during the season.
Read more F1: Check out the images from this Thursday of the 2026 Belgian GP
McLaren will bring a new rear wing to the Belgian GP but does not expect a significant change in its competitiveness. The update was already part of the development schedule, while a broader package is planned for Hungary. The main challenge at Spa will be energy management, and the team also sees a possible wet track as an opportunity to collect data on the MCL40.
Off the track, Formula 1 ruled out reorganizing the calendar to include the Bahrain GP. According to Pirelli’s new motorsport chief, logistical deadlines, instability in the Strait of Hormuz, and risks to maritime transport in the Red Sea made it unfeasible to prepare the operation safely.
