SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium — Formula One champion Max Verstappen won a "cat and mouse" Belgian Grand Prix sprint on Saturday in Red Bull's first race under the leadership of Laurent Mekies following Christian Horner's dismissal.

Helmut Marko has confirmed that Max Verstappen will be driving for Red Bull next season after the Dutchman made the decision to keep faith in his long-time employers. The four-time world champion was subject to interest from Mercedes, but opted against swapping Milton Keynes for Brackley in 2026.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen will not be able to trigger the performance clause in his contract with the team as he heads into the F1 summer break within the top three of the championship