Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has broken his silence on the possibility of signing Max Verstappen, as he confirmed George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are the ‘absolute priority’
Max Verstappen looks set to remain at Red Bull(Image: PA)
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has dismissed speculation about landing Max Verstappen. The Dutch ace remains strongly tipped for a switch from Red Bull, despite being tied down until 2028 with a contract signed after his first title success in four years ago.
Verstappen’s deal is understood to contain an escape clause which could see him depart before next season, with turmoil at his current outfit fuelling intense rumours – particularly after Christian Horner’s exit as team principal and chief executive of the racing outfit.
Mercedes feature among the teams rumoured to have courted the defending champion, with Wolff previously making no attempt to hide his admiration for the 27-year-old. The Austrian has tried to sign Verstappen in the past, including when he was a teenager on his way up to F1.
Yet, the Silver Arrows chief has now cooled talk of a potential swoop. Instead, the longest serving team principal on the F1 grid has backed his current pairing of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, both of whom are out of contract at the end of the year as it stands.
Speaking to Austrian broadcaster ORF, he said: “Discussions have been taking place over the last weeks and months. So they are all up to date. The direction of travel is definitely that we want to continue with George and Kimi. That is the absolute priority.”
He went on to admit, though, that he had taken a good look at the idea of luring Verstappen to Mercedes, adding: “You can’t look past someone like Max and the plans he has for the future. We did that, but I don’t think there will be any big surprises.”
Wolff’s comments come after two weeks filled with rumours about Verstappen’s future since the British Grand Prix. News of Horner’s dismissal just days after the Silverstone race led to inevitable speculation that the Dutchman could follow his former boss through the exit door.
Talk of a sensational switch to Mercedes reached fever pitch when online sleuths figured out that Verstappen and Silver Arrows chief Wolff were both holidaying in Sardinia at around the same time.
Planes and yachts were tracked using online tools, while some edited images were circulated showing Wolff allegedly boarding Verstappen’s private jet, though the pictures were fake. Wolff laughed as that particular situation was brought up in the ORF interview.
He said of it: “It is new that people make photo collages of a plane – we’ve never had that before. If you go on vacation close to each other, that doesn’t mean you’re also working together in Formula 1. We’ve always had a good relationship, and coincidentally, we also spend the holidays in similar areas.”
Cadillac will become the first new team in F1 since 2016 next season, with Graeme Lowdon now working to finalise his driver line-up for the 2026 campaign
Mick Schumacher is one of the candidates under consideration at Cadillac(Image: Getty Images)
Cadillac have identified seven drivers as potential candidates to lead them on track in their debut Formula 1 season. Next year, the American outfit will become the first fresh constructor to join the grid since Haas made their entrance back in 2016.
The team is supported by a collaboration with TWG Motorsport and Andretti Global. As well as getting the outfit into shape ahead of its debut, team principal Graeme Lowdon is now working to cement his driver pairing for the upcoming campaign, with several racers’ futures currently uncertain.
Seven prospects, including some not presently competing in F1, have made it onto Lowdon’s shortlist. He made as much clear during an appearance on the High Performance podcast, during which he openly discussed some of the names under consideration at Cadillac.
Acknowledging he was contemplating handing Mick Schumacher a way back onto the F1 grid, he stated: “Yeah, we are talking to Mick.” The German is hunting his first F1 race seat since 2022 when he was axed by Haas and their then-team principal Guenther Steiner.
Lowdon is also eyeing Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas, who rejoined the Silver Arrows as a reserve this year. He additionally disclosed that discussions are ongoing with Max Verstappen’s former Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, who has been less vocal about his plans and worked in the background to secure his return to the F1 grid.
Nevertheless, the 60-year-old isn’t solely focusing on seasoned competitors. He confirmed that former Formula 2 racers Felipe Drugovich and Frederik Vesti are in the running, while he also name-checked Red Bull academy driver Arvid Lindblad before conceding that it would be very difficult to pry the Brit away from their grasp.
Cadillac have made it clear from the beginning that they would love to field an American driver if possible, and are still contemplating a move for IndyCar racer Colton Herta. The American took part in a two-day trial with the McLaren F1 squad in 2022, and currently races for Andretti Global with Curb Agajanian.
However, he does not currently have enough points for an FIA superlicence which is required for anyone to race in F1. Currently eighth in the IndyCar standings, that finish this season would not be high enough for Herta to gain the points he needs to reach the threshold of 40.
Lowdon has made a commitment to consider only those who prioritise the team over personal ambitions. He said: “Our team is there to provide a position on the pitch, for someone to prove what they can do for sure. But it’s not a vehicle to kind of show the world to prove a point or whatever.
“Drivers are there to prove the best they possibly can for the team, and they should be motivated for the team around them as well. I’m less keen on people who kind of want to prove a personal point.”
In the world of Formula 1, few names resonate as powerfully as Lewis Hamilton. Seven-time World Champion, a record that places him alongside the greatest in motorsport history. Yet, in 2025, Hamilton is not wearing the familiar silver of Mercedes, but Ferrari red. This shift, however, is not just a change of color. It’s a statement. Hamilton, now at the heart of Ferrari’s Maranello-based operation, is not just a driver in the team. He’s a force of change, a disruptor of tradition, and a potential linchpin in a Ferrari revival that fans have been craving for years.
For over a decade, Ferrari has been a dominant force in F1, but one that has frequently faltered under pressure. Yet, when Hamilton stepped into the cockpit of the SF25 for the first time, it was clear that his role at Ferrari was far greater than just bringing on-track victories. Hamilton’s involvement represents a larger mission: to alter Ferrari’s course and help the legendary team rise from the ashes of their recent struggles.
A New Era in Maranello
Since Hamilton’s arrival in early 2025, Ferrari has undergone a transformation. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s young and talented driver, has been vocal about how Hamilton’s presence has changed the way the team works, both on and off the track. Leclerc admitted that Hamilton’s perspective has shaken the ingrained habits that Ferrari had long adhered to. For Leclerc, who joined Ferrari in 2019, the ‘Ferrari way’ was the only way to approach the sport. However, after working with Hamilton, Leclerc acknowledged that the team had been stuck in a particular mindset for far too long.
Hamilton, with his experience at Mercedes, has brought with him not just his driving expertise but also the intellectual legacy of a team that dominated Formula 1 in the previous decade. The Mercedes philosophy – one built on a harmonious blend of precision, data, and relentless performance – is now slowly infiltrating the walls of Ferrari. Leclerc revealed that Hamilton introduced a different approach to interpreting data, tuning the car, and reading the balance between performance and consistency over the course of a season.
Hamilton’s influence has gone far beyond just driving fast laps; he’s helped Ferrari restructure their approach to car setup, simulator data interpretation, and race strategy. The focus has shifted from merely hunting for a one-lap pace to crafting a system capable of delivering sustained performance across an entire season. These changes, however, were not limited to technical improvements alone. Hamilton helped Ferrari adopt Mercedes’ Total Performance System, which uses a blend of wind tunnel data, on-track behavior, and driver feedback to develop a more precise and integrated system.
Challenges on Track: Is Ferrari’s Revival Still a Reality?
Despite the transformative changes happening behind the scenes at Ferrari, the team’s performance on track has not met expectations. As of the 2025 season’s midpoint, Ferrari had yet to secure a major Grand Prix victory, a result that has frustrated both the team and its passionate fanbase. While Leclerc has been a consistent performer, securing podium finishes, including a notable second-place finish at the Monaco Grand Prix, Ferrari has been unable to win the ultimate prize.
Hamilton’s only win came in the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix. Although this victory was prestigious, it did not occur in the main race, where the world champion is ultimately decided. This lack of victories has placed Ferrari further behind in the constructor’s standings, trailing McLaren by over 230 points. With Red Bull continuing its dominance and Mercedes remaining competitive, Ferrari’s struggle to regain its position at the front of the grid remains an ongoing challenge.
Compounding this problem is the technical instability that has plagued the team for years. Issues such as rear-end instability, inconsistent power steering, and an upgrade package that arrives late have continued to hinder Ferrari’s ability to compete at the highest level. Leclerc has been open about his disappointment, acknowledging that McLaren has made significant strides this season, while Ferrari continues to lag behind.
The Psychological Strain on Leclerc and Team Dynamics
Charles Leclerc’s personal struggles this season have also contributed to Ferrari’s challenges. As a young driver eager for success, Leclerc has often been his own harshest critic, pushing himself to the brink of frustration. This perfectionism, which often serves as a strength, has also become a burden. His emotional outbursts over the team radio, especially after the Silverstone qualifying session, revealed the mental strain he’s been under, a strain that is not just limited to him but is shared by the entire Ferrari team.
Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur has acknowledged the psychological dynamics at play, particularly how Leclerc’s tendency to blame himself for every mistake can negatively impact not only his performance but also the team’s overall morale. When a lead driver is under such pressure, it inevitably affects the entire team, further exacerbating the challenges Ferrari faces in their quest for improvement.
In contrast to Leclerc’s emotional intensity, Hamilton offers a calming presence within the team. With over a decade of experience handling the immense pressure of being a world champion, Hamilton brings a calm, calculated approach to racing. His ability to stay composed in the face of adversity, to analyze problems and seek long-term solutions, is something Ferrari hopes will rub off on both Leclerc and the team as a whole.
Hamilton’s mature mentality is precisely what Ferrari needs to navigate the psychological strain of competing at the highest level. By balancing Leclerc’s emotional intensity with Hamilton’s composed approach, Ferrari hopes to not only strengthen its foundation but also build a team that can endure the pressures of the sport and eventually return to winning ways.
Ferrari’s Long-Term Vision: Project DNA
While the 2025 season may not have yielded the results Ferrari had hoped for, the team is not standing still. Major changes are already in the works, with systematic upgrades such as a new rear suspension designed to address issues with grip and ride height sensitivity. These technical changes are vital in a sport where even the slightest adjustment can make a significant difference in performance.
More importantly, Ferrari’s sights are set on the future, with a long-term vision centered around Project DNA. This ambitious project aims to develop a new generation of cars that are not only faster but more personalized, catering to the different driving styles of both Leclerc and Hamilton. The goal is to create a car that can accommodate Leclerc’s aggressive, intuitive driving style while also satisfying Hamilton’s precise, calculated approach.
Ferrari is also preparing short-term updates, including a power steering overhaul for the Hungarian Grand Prix and a performance upgrade package for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. These updates are crucial for improving the team’s immediate prospects and ensuring that they remain competitive in the ongoing season.
Conclusion: A New Era at Ferrari?
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari may have been seen by some as a move to enjoy the twilight of his career, but it is clear that his ambitions are much greater. He is not just here to race – he is here to build a legacy, to reshape Ferrari’s future, and to demonstrate that he still has the hunger and the talent to secure an eighth world championship.
For Ferrari, Hamilton represents more than just an elite driver; he is a symbol of discipline, success, and a winning mentality. The hope is that his presence will be a catalyst for change, not just on the track but within the team’s culture, leadership, and overall philosophy. However, as with any major change, time, patience, and the right momentum are needed. Will Hamilton’s influence lead Ferrari to the glory they so desperately seek, or will this simply be another chapter in the long-running saga of unfulfilled potential? Only time will tell.
Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing head into the Belgian Grand Prix without Christian Horner steering the ship for the first time ever, as new boss Laurent Mekies makes his competitive debut in the role
Max Verstappen has spoken ahead of the Belgian GP(Image: Getty Images)
Max Verstappen says he is looking forward to striking up a close working relationship with new boss Laurent Mekies. The Dutchman was speaking ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, the first race since the bombshell news of Christian Horner being removed from his positions as team principal and CEO.
The Spa-Francorchamps race is always a milestone moment for Verstappen, who is half-Belgian and sees it as one of his two home races alongside the Dutch Grand Prix. And he will be hoping to get back to winning ways at a venue which means to much to him on a personal level.
But he must do so after two weeks of significant upheaval which saw Horner ousted and also plenty of intense speculation about his own future. But for now he will, like his colleagues, adjust to life under new boss Laurent Mekies, who was called up from sister team Racing Bulls to take on the top job.
“I was back at the factory last week to spend some time in the sim with the team,” said Verstappen as he previewed the trip to the Ardennes Forest. “I’m looking forward to working closely with Laurent.”
He added: “Spa is a classic and always my favourite track on the calendar, a very old school circuit where you have to do everything right to get a good lap. I enjoy the high-speed corners such as Eau Rouge, the layout which is different to other circuits and elevation changes that make the track more of a challenge to drive.”
Claims that Verstappen could hold a press conference in Belgium this weekend to make an announcement about his future are understood to be unfounded. But he continues to be strongly linked with a switch to Mercedes.
In the immediate future, though, he and team-mate Yuki Tsunoda will get a first taste of life under a new boss in Belgium. The latter in particular will be hoping that Mekies’ methods can help inspire a change in his fortunes on track, having scored just seven points since be was elevated to the seat in April.
“We are coming into this race in a new era for the team and it will be good to link up again with Laurent,” Tsunoda said of his former Racing Bulls boss. “We worked really well together at Racing Bulls. I know how he likes to work and our full focus is on pushing forward and for me personally to start delivering the performance we need.
Laurent Mekies is the new boss at Red Bull Racing(Image: Getty Images for Oracle Red Bull)
“Spa is a fun circuit and one that could suit us well. The Sprint always makes things tricky but the work and preparation we have done in this off time should set us up nicely.
“I have spent the time off racing mixed between training very hard and using the break to mentally reset. I wanted to be the best prepared I could be coming into Spa and in better condition, mentally and physically. I am feeling strong and sharp and looking forward to these next two races before summer break.”
Liam Lawson was demoted from Red Bull Racing down to junior team Racing Bulls just two races into the 2025 Formula 1 season with Christian Horner claiming the Kiwi had crumbled under the pressure
Christian Horner chose to drop Liam Lawson just two races into the 2025 F1 season(Image: Getty Images)
Liam Lawson insists he did not suffer a crisis of confidence during his extremely brief stint as a Red Bull Racing driver. The New Zealand driver was called up to partner Max Verstappen over the winter but survived for just two races before he was demoted back to sister squad Racing Bulls.
That decision came off the back of an extremely poor start to the season, in which the Kiwi failed to score a single point across two race weekends in Melbourne and Shanghai. Lawson was sent back down to the junior team with the more experienced Yuki Tsunoda called up to take his place.
But the Japanese has also struggled, scoring just seven points since being promoted to the top Red Bull squad with a best Grand Prix finish of ninth place. Regardless, former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who made the decision, felt it was the right call and claimed Lawson’s confidence had been destroyed by the pressure that comes with the seat.
He said: “It was something that was very clear to the engineering side within the team, just how much Liam was struggling with it all. You could see that weight upon his shoulders. The engineers were coming to me very concerned about it, and at the end of the day, I think it was the logical thing to do.
“Sometimes you’ve got to be cruel to be kind, and I think that in this instance, this is not the end for Liam. I was very clear with him, is that it’s a sample of two races. I think that we’ve asked too much of you too soon. We have to accept, I think we were asking too much of him too soon.
“So this is for him to, again, nurture that talent that we know that he has, back in the Racing Bulls seat, whilst giving Yuki the opportunity and looking to make use of the experience that he has. I think with everything that we saw in Australia and China, you could see that it was really affecting Liam quite badly.”
Lawson’s scoreless run continued after his return to Racing Bulls, but he has since found his feet. His sixth-placed finish in Austria at the end of June was his best in F1 and saw him leapfrog Tsunoda in the drivers’ standings.
And, in a new interview, the Kiwi said he did not feel he was given enough time to make an impression at Red Bull Racing, and denied any suggestion that his confidence had taken a hit from the experience. “Between the first couple of races, to the team switch, then going to Japan, mentally for me nothing changed,” he said.
Lawson has found his feet since returning to sister team Racing Bulls(Image: Getty Images)
“It’s been very heavily speculated that my confidence took a hit and stuff like this, which is completely false. From the start of the year, I felt the same as I always have. I think in two races, on tracks I’d never been to, it’s not really enough. Maybe six months into a season, if I’m still at that level, if the results are still like that, then I’d be feeling something – maybe my confidence would be taking a hit.
“I was well aware that those results weren’t good enough, but I was just focused on improving, fixing and learning, basically. I was in the same mindset as I have been since I came into F1. I think that was the biggest thing going into a team like that, in a car like that… It was going to take a bit of time to adjust and learn.
“With no proper testing, the issues in testing, the issues in Melbourne through practice – it wasn’t smooth and clean. I needed time, and I wasn’t given it. I haven’t really talked much about it, because I think for a big part of this year, I’ve just ignored everything that happened and I’ve just focused on trying to drive the car.
“But I know there was a lot of stuff that went out that was speculation about how I was feeling. My confidence hasn’t changed since the start of the year to now.”
F1 legend Martin Brundle got in trouble with TV bosses for what Ozzy Osbourne said to him during a brief but iconic grid walk interview at the Canadian Grand Prix
Martin Brundle interviews Ozzy Osbourne at the 2003 Canadian Grand Prix(Image: McNeil/Sutton Images)
Ozzy Osbourne provided Martin Brundle with one of his most memorable Formula 1 grid walk encounters. The iconic Black Sabbath frontman, who has died at the age of 76, wasn’t particularly known for his passion for F1, but he did make an appearance at least once at a grand prix.
The Birmingham-born rock legend was a VIP guest at the 2003 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. He turned up on the grid before the race began, with reporters eager to speak to him.
Brundle, the voice of ITV’s F1 coverage at the time, positioned himself perfectly for an interview, only to find himself battling to extract anything sensible from the star. In a moment that has become legendary, Brundle quipped: “I’ll try and think of a question to that answer.”
He was then forced to end the chat abruptly after Osbourne let slip a swear word on live television, which got Brundle into trouble with his superiors.
Reflecting on the incident, Brundle once said: “He wasn’t fully with it, shall we say. I asked him a question and he gave me a very long, incomprehensible answer.
“I said to him, ‘I’ll try and think of a question to that, but in the meantime how are the dogs?’ And he said, ‘They are at home s****** on the carpets.’ It went out live to millions of people and I got in trouble because I was supposed to have known he would swear if I asked that question.”
Osbourne did at least engage with Brundle, who has branded his grid walks in general as “car crash television”. While many stars are happy to converse with the ex-F1 driver on the grid, some have notoriously snubbed him.
Osbourne with Eddie Jordan, then boss of the Jordan team, at the 2003 Canadian Grand Prix(Image: Getty)
Over two decades since that encounter, Sky Sports’ Brundle can look back with a sense of humour, though he’d rather be remembered for his racing career. Earlier this year, he told the Daily Mail: “The grid walk actually really annoys me because that’s what I’m known for now.
“The whole thing is still a mystery. I won a lot of races as a driver and was on the F1 podium. I was World Sportscar Champion, winner at Le Mans, beat Ayrton Senna a lot of times in F3.
“I was a reasonably handy racing driver and I’m a reasonably handy commentator but all I’m going to be remembered for is getting ignored on the grid by the Megan Thee Stallion and other people I’d never heard of until that moment.
Osbourne meets Williams F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya at the Canadian Grand Prix(Image: Getty)
“It’s quite a funny thing but I can’t knock it, heading towards 66, I’m lucky to still be in live sport and that’s why I was pleased with the OBE because it wasn’t an OBE just for grid-walking.”
Osbourne passed away just weeks after a reunion gig in Birmingham. The Prince of Darkness, who had been battling Parkinson’s disease since 2019, died “with his family and surrounded by love”.
A family statement, issued on Tuesday, said: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
Zak Brown has been a vocal critic of the Formula 1 system which allows for organisations to own more than one team at a time, noted as a direct attack on Red Bull by the McLaren chief
McLaren Racing chief executive Zak Brown has been a vocal critic of ‘B-teams’ being allowed in F1(Image: Getty Images)
The FIA is set to tighten to rules on multi-team ownership in Formula 1 from 2026. That impending change comes after McLaren Racing chief executive Zak Brown criticised the system allowing for one organisation to own multiple teams on the grid.
In an open letter published in December 2023, Brown called for an outright ban on multi-team ownership. He did not mention Red Bull directly but, as the only organisation on the grid which owns two separate racing outfits, it was a clear direct attack on the energy drinks firm.
“Most other major sports prohibit the ownership of two teams within the same league because of the obvious potential damage that it does to competition. It’s an unhealthy situation because it impacts decisions made both on and off the track,” the American wrote – an opinion shared by former F1 champion Damon Hill.
“Whether it’s a case of having access to more data, sharing components/personnel, or even having influence over a strategic vote, it’s not in the spirit of the regulations. It’s important to stand up for independence, competition and fairness.
“I’d like to see changes in the regulations to ensure that in future, they stop influence spreading from one team to another through strategic alliances and especially through ownership. Formula 1 should be true to its brand, and every team – except power units – should be totally independent of each other.”
While Brown is unlikely to get his wish of a full ban on multi-team ownership any time soon, he will be pleased with a planned move to further limit collaboration between outfits from next year. The Race reports that the new rulebook for the 2026 season is set to include tighter restrictions on how closely teams can work together.
Relationships between teams will continue to be allowed, and are vital to the health of F1 considering there are several outfits which are engine customers of others on the grid. For example, championship leaders McLaren are direct competitors of Mercedes, but also use power units supplied by the Silver Arrows.
But Nikolas Tombazis, single seater director at the FIA, said: “We are working on clarifying more how teams, let’s call them A- and B-teams, operate in terms of putting in provisions that stops those that have some sort of close relationship from helping each other or collaborating.
“We are putting some provisions on the IT side, to make sure that IT systems are segregated, so they cannot share designs, or anything like that. And there will also be physical segregation and what details of what provisions need to be respected.
“Through the years we’ve got involved at various times with various situations emerging, and we’ve frequently had to give clarifications or responses. We’re trying to formalise some of these things into some regulatory structure, so teams can’t play different games. We also want to satisfy the teams that don’t have any affiliation, that the key teams that do have a relationship of some sort do not gain an unfair advantage.”
Max Verstappen’s Future with Red Bull: Navigating a Challenging Road Ahead
Max Verstappen’s remarkable career in Formula 1 has solidified him as one of the greatest drivers of his generation. With multiple world championships to his name and a growing legacy, Verstappen’s future has been a topic of much speculation. However, recent developments at Red Bull Racing and its partnership with Ford, as well as the evolving landscape of Formula 1, may signal that the four-time world champion’s time at the Austrian team could be nearing its end.
The Changing Landscape at Red Bull
Red Bull Racing has been on a dominant streak, with Verstappen leading the charge. However, there are signs that this dominance may not be sustainable in the long run. The introduction of new regulations for the 2026 season, specifically concerning the engine specifications, has raised serious concerns within the Red Bull camp. According to recent reports, the new powertrain, which is a collaboration between Red Bull and Ford, is far from meeting expectations.
While Red Bull’s commitment to developing a competitive car has been unwavering, the reality is that the team may not be as well-prepared as initially anticipated. This issue, combined with the fact that Verstappen’s goals of furthering Red Bull’s legacy and rebranding the team might be compromised by engine struggles, has placed his future at the team in jeopardy.
The Engine Dilemma: A Major Roadblock
The focus on the new engine regulations for 2026 has revealed a concerning truth for Red Bull Racing: they are at risk of falling behind their competitors. Mercedes, Ferrari, and even Honda are expected to lead the charge in engine development, with Red Bull’s powertrain lagging behind in terms of performance. Verstappen has already voiced concerns about this, and it’s no surprise given the situation.
The 2026 regulations, which are designed to create a more competitive and sustainable environment for F1, have the potential to drastically reshape the grid. The expected supremacy of Mercedes and Ferrari in the engine department could leave Red Bull in a tough position, which might not be palatable for a driver of Verstappen’s caliber. After all, Verstappen’s goal is to win races and championships, not to fight for midfield positions, and an underperforming engine could severely limit his chances.
In fact, Verstappen has previously hinted at the possibility of leaving Red Bull if their performance in the 2026 era is subpar. The prospect of driving a car that is not competitive enough to challenge for top positions could push Verstappen to seek out a team that offers him the best chance of success.
Red Bull’s Internal Struggles
Beyond the engine issues, Red Bull Racing is facing internal challenges that could further complicate Verstappen’s relationship with the team. There has been a notable exodus of key personnel in recent years, including the departure of Adrian Newey, one of the most brilliant minds in F1 engineering. While the team still boasts a strong technical department, the loss of experienced figures has undoubtedly impacted the overall performance of the car.
Red Bull’s wind tunnel, which plays a critical role in the development of the car’s aerodynamics, is also becoming a point of contention. Critics have noted that the team is still using outdated technology, which is putting them at a disadvantage compared to rivals like Mercedes and Ferrari, who are investing heavily in cutting-edge facilities.
This combination of a subpar engine and internal struggles may not be enough to keep Verstappen motivated to stay. As a driver who thrives on competition and success, Verstappen may feel that his future lies elsewhere, with a team that has the resources and commitment to ensure that he remains at the top of his game.
The Pressure to Perform: A Different Path for Verstappen?
Verstappen’s situation is further complicated by the growing pressure he faces to win races, not only for himself but for his team as well. While the 2025 season might still be in reach, the focus is already shifting toward 2026, a season that promises to be pivotal for many teams. Verstappen’s ability to consistently perform and deliver podium finishes may become more difficult if Red Bull cannot produce a competitive car. The reality of this scenario may leave Verstappen with little choice but to leave the team in search of a more promising opportunity.
Furthermore, Verstappen’s personal life may play a role in his decision-making process. As a father, Verstappen has expressed a desire to enjoy a more balanced life outside of racing. The demanding F1 calendar and the constant pressure to perform at the highest level could be wearing on him, especially as he contemplates the future. Verstappen’s desire for a team that listens to his feedback and offers a more conducive environment for his goals could lead him to explore options beyond Red Bull.
The Mercedes Factor: A Dream Move?
One potential destination for Verstappen is Mercedes. The German team, under the leadership of Toto Wolff, has long been a dominant force in Formula 1. With their ongoing commitment to developing a competitive engine and car, Mercedes could offer Verstappen the platform he needs to continue his championship aspirations. Verstappen’s willingness to engage in talks with Wolff and Mercedes’ leadership only adds fuel to the speculation that a move could be on the horizon.
If Red Bull’s performance falters in the coming seasons, Verstappen could find himself in a position where a move to Mercedes becomes inevitable. Wolff has long been an admirer of Verstappen, and a partnership between the two could prove to be a winning combination. With Mercedes’ resources and Verstappen’s driving prowess, a move to the Silver Arrows could make perfect sense.
Aston Martin: An Emerging Threat?
Another team that Verstappen could consider is Aston Martin. While the Silverstone-based squad currently has a confirmed lineup for the upcoming seasons, their impressive growth and development have made them a team to watch. With former Red Bull personnel like Dan Fallows and Andrew Alessi now part of Aston Martin’s technical team, the team’s trajectory is set to accelerate in the coming years.
Although Aston Martin is not yet in a position to challenge for titles, the possibility of Verstappen joining them in the future cannot be dismissed. The team’s ambition and investment in their infrastructure could make them a viable option for Verstappen if Red Bull fails to deliver on its promises. While a move to Aston Martin might not be imminent, the team’s progress could make them an attractive proposition in the coming years.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Verstappen?
Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull is currently uncertain. With the introduction of new engine regulations for 2026 and internal struggles within the team, it’s clear that Red Bull faces significant challenges. Verstappen’s desire for continued success and his personal goals may lead him to explore options with Mercedes or Aston Martin. While it’s still too early to predict what the future holds, one thing is certain: Verstappen’s career is at a crossroads, and the next few years will be crucial in determining his next steps. The decision will ultimately come down to whether Red Bull can provide him with the tools he needs to succeed or whether Verstappen will seek a new challenge with a team better equipped for the future.
The Impact of Red Bull and Ford’s Collaboration on Max Verstappen’s Future: A 2026 Shift
The announcement of Red Bull and Ford’s collaboration from 2026 onwards sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community. However, this new partnership, while promising at first glance, has quickly faced some setbacks. With Max Verstappen’s future hanging in the balance, the question arises: will Red Bull’s performance drop due to their engine development issues, and will that force Verstappen to seek greener pastures?
As of now, internal reports have painted a worrying picture for Red Bull’s powertrain program. The team’s engine development isn’t progressing as expected, and many within the organization believe that their powertrain could become one of the weakest on the grid. This development is further complicated by the arrival of new regulations in 2026, which require a significant balance of power between engines and battery technology. Given these new challenges, the question of whether Red Bull can remain competitive or whether Verstappen might leave for a better chance at a championship title is a real one.
The Origins of Red Bull’s Powertrain Shift
Red Bull’s decision to start developing their own powertrain for the 2026 season came after repeated frustrations with their former partner, Honda. Honda’s sporadic commitment to Formula 1, swinging from full support to disengagement, forced Red Bull to reconsider their strategy. Initially, Red Bull had relied on Honda’s power units, which had been instrumental in their recent success. However, Honda’s unpredictable commitment made it clear that Red Bull needed to take matters into their own hands.
As the 2026 regulations loomed closer, Red Bull realized that relying on an external supplier, especially one as volatile as Honda, would not guarantee long-term stability. Therefore, they began the ambitious process of creating their own engine, which would be co-branded with Ford. Despite the collaboration with the iconic American manufacturer, the early results have been less than stellar.
Ford’s entry into Formula 1, while historic and exciting, hasn’t delivered the promised improvements in Red Bull’s powertrain. The reports surrounding the development of Red Bull’s engine raise concerns that the team might be entering 2026 at a significant disadvantage compared to their rivals, particularly Mercedes. The fact that Verstappen himself has expressed doubts about the competitiveness of his team’s engine only adds to the uncertainty surrounding his future with the team.
The Impact of 2026 Regulations on Engine Competitiveness
The 2026 engine regulations will require teams to produce an engine where the power is evenly split between the engine and the battery, with a 50/50 distribution. This significant shift will mean that any team introducing a new powertrain will face a steep learning curve, as they adapt to new technologies and try to perfect the balance between engine and battery. Red Bull’s engine, still in its infancy, is expected to struggle to keep pace with the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari, who are further along in their development.
At present, Red Bull’s powertrain is rumored to be one of the worst on the grid, along with Audi. This, coupled with the fact that the aerodynamic properties of the car might not be enough to make up for a performance deficit in the engine, suggests a rocky road ahead for the team. Max Verstappen, who has thrived in a Red Bull car with an engine that has consistently placed him in a competitive position, might find it difficult to replicate his recent dominance if the team’s engine remains behind the curve.
Max Verstappen’s Loyalty and Potential Exit
Max Verstappen’s time with Red Bull has been one of the most successful and tumultuous in recent F1 history. With multiple World Championships under his belt, Verstappen has proven to be one of the most formidable drivers of his generation. His loyalty to Red Bull, particularly after years of being part of their junior program, has been unquestioned. However, loyalty has its limits, especially when a driver’s competitive edge is at stake.
Verstappen has repeatedly demonstrated that he doesn’t need the fastest car to win races, but even he must face the reality that if Red Bull’s engine isn’t up to scratch in 2026, he might not have the same level of success. His manager, Raymond Vermeulen, has indicated that Verstappen’s focus remains on finding performance in the future, and if that performance isn’t forthcoming at Red Bull, there’s always the possibility of a move to another team.
Mercedes and Aston Martin: Key Players in Verstappen’s Future
If Red Bull’s engine troubles persist, there are two teams that stand to benefit: Mercedes and Aston Martin. Both teams have strong engine programs and could offer Verstappen a more competitive platform. Mercedes, in particular, has a long history of dominating F1, with their engines often being the best on the grid. Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, has been vocal about his desire to have Verstappen in his team, suggesting that a move to Mercedes could be the next logical step in Verstappen’s career.
Aston Martin, too, could prove to be an attractive option. With the expertise of Adrian Newey, a former Red Bull designer, and the addition of Honda power units, Aston Martin has made significant strides. If Red Bull’s struggles continue, Aston Martin could provide Verstappen with the opportunity to continue his championship quest in a competitive environment, with the team boasting a strong technical foundation.
The Driver Lineup After Verstappen
Should Max Verstappen leave Red Bull, the team would need to consider its next move in terms of drivers. Currently, Red Bull’s junior drivers are showing promise, with Liam Lawson, Ayumu Iwasa, and Daniel Ricciardo all potentially vying for a seat. However, the reality is that Red Bull’s internal issues, particularly the development delays, could put these young drivers in a tough position. Without a reliable car, their careers might stagnate, and Red Bull could face the same challenges they did when they struggled to bring on new talent after the departure of previous drivers like Daniel Ricciardo.
Red Bull could also consider bringing in a more experienced driver to replace Verstappen. George Russell, who has been linked with a potential move to Red Bull, could offer the team a solid replacement, though his relationship with Mercedes could complicate this move.
The Future of Red Bull and the Ford Powertrain
With the clock ticking down to 2026, Red Bull faces several challenges, not the least of which is developing a competitive engine. The team has historically excelled in areas such as aerodynamics, but with the new regulations that require greater power unit integration, the question remains: can Red Bull bridge the gap?
Verstappen’s decision, whether he stays or leaves, will heavily depend on how the powertrain situation develops. His priority is clear: to remain competitive and chase championships. If Red Bull’s 2026 engine is as weak as many are predicting, it might be too big of a deficit for him to overcome. That being said, Red Bull is known for bouncing back from difficult situations, and they may yet prove the critics wrong.
Ultimately, Verstappen’s future with Red Bull hinges on one critical factor: performance. If the team can get their powertrain development on track and remain competitive, Verstappen may well decide to stay. However, if the team’s performance falters, we could see the end of an era, with Verstappen moving to a new team that can offer him the competitive edge he needs to continue his pursuit of titles. Time will tell whether the new partnership with Ford can deliver the goods for Red Bull, or whether Verstappen will be forced to look elsewhere for his next career move.
While Princess Anne’s devotion to the Firm has seen her through 75 years of service to the royal family, it seems some of the ways her nephew Prince William conducts his royal duties are starting to grate on the Princess Royal
A friend of Princess Anne’s has claimed one key decision, made by Prince William, is starting to “annoy” the Princess Royal (Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Princess Anne has long been dubbed the hardest working member of the royal family, attending countless events as a representative of the Firm. Just last week, her long service to the royal family was marked with a commemorative coin issued by The Royal Mint, to honour her “unwavering commitment” to the Palace.
While the Princess Royal has been King Charles ’ righthand woman for much of his life, supporting the monarchy in any way, it has been reported that a decision made by her nephew, Prince William, is beginning to “annoy” Anne. A source close to Anne has shared that as William continues in his role as Prince of Wales, his aunt would like one thing to change.
A decision made by Prince William is beginning to “annoy” Princess Anne(Image: Getty Images for Kensington Pala)
The source tole The Times that Anne would like to see William do more “bread and butter” royal engagements, clarifying that it is only her, the King and William that perform the investitures, the formal ceremonies where those who have been awarded a royal honour receive their insignia.
While some of these ceremonies take place in Buckingham Palace, many are held at Windsor Castle, near the Prince of Wales’ home of Adelaide Cottage. A source close to Anne told the publication: “She’s still doing most of the investitures [at Windsor] even though William lives there. It annoys her.”
The Royal Family’s official website notes that around 30 Investitures are held each year, with over 60 recipients attending each ceremony, with the site saying: “Investitures also happen occasionally at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, or overseas during State or Royal visits. Investitures are hosted by The King, The Princess Royal and The Prince of Wales.”
The royal source claimed that Anne would like to see Prince William do more “bread and butter” royal engagements(Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Elsewhere in the interview, the close friend of Princess Anne spoke about her other nephew, Prince Harry, and shared that the Duke of Sussex should reach out to his aunt to better forge a path to reconciliation with the royal family at large.
Renewed speculation over a reunion between Prince Harry and the Firm came after senior aides to both Harry and King Charles were spotted at a private meeting in London, leading many to believe that peace talks between the estranged father and son could be on the cards.
While many are hoping for a royal reunion, a source close to Anne claimed that the reconciliation could be helped by the Princess Royal, given the parallels between her life and Harry’s.
Anne, who was also known as the “spare” behind her brother Charles, could have key insight into the Sussexes mindset over leaving the royal family, as the source told the Times: “He really ought to talk to Princess Anne.
A friend of Princess Anne’s believes that Prince Harry should reach out to his aunt to forge a path to reconciliation with the royal family(Image: Getty Images)
“She often talked about how, as children, she was treated so differently from Charles. She was second to him and kicked further down the line of succession as a woman, but she forged her own path. In her twenties she was bolshy and upset about a lot of things, but she came through that. He should talk to her about her experiences. She is shrewd. She could tell him a lot about what she went through.”
The Princess Royal is often regarded as the ‘hardest working’ member of the royal family, clocking up 474 engagements last year, with King Charles completing 372 in comparison. Princess Anne has been a cornerstone in the King’s slimmed-down working monarchy, and has played a big role by stepping up in support of Charles amid his cancer diagnosis.
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