Future stakes beyond 2025
Max Verstappen’s camp has made clear that while he has chosen to stay with Red Bull into 2026, the door remains open should the team falter under the new regulations. Manager Raymond Vermeulen indicated that options would be kept on the table, with Mercedes widely expected to revive interest if Red Bull’s competitiveness declines.
Why 2026 matters
The incoming rules reset represents a pivotal moment for F1’s pecking order. For a driver targeting sustained title contention, aligning with the strongest package from the outset is critical. Verstappen’s current form and Red Bull’s rebound bolster confidence—but the message is unmistakable: performance will dictate commitment.
The market watch
As teams invest heavily in 2026 development, the driver market will track wind-tunnel and dyno progress as closely as race results. Expect speculation to intensify if any clear leader or laggard emerges before the new era begins.
