The driver carousel is wrapped up for the 2025 season, with almost all the racers getting a seat. However, the 2026 season, with its massive revamp, is the trending topic. The drivers are looking for the best PU manufacturers, as the entire season would depend on the engines. Similarly, Max Verstappen, who only wants a strong racing machine, could be lured in by Mercedes. Although the Silver Arrows are no longer contesting to sign the triple champion for next season, the 2026 move is still on the cards.
To top it off with Red Bull’s current misery, both on and off the tracks, the Dutchman wouldn’t mind a swap. Thus, when F1 rulebooks will be re-written in 2026, Verstappen could join hands with the Brackley-based outfit. This is why an ex-F1 driver warns Red Bull to panic over Jos Verstappen’s growing bond with Mercedes.
Jos Verstappen Could Potentially Drive Max Away From Red Bull
Red Bull’s domination days are over, and it struggles to compete against McLaren. After a befitting defeat in Dutch GP, the RBR squad is left with ample clutter to fix. Thus, according to former F1 racer Johnny Herbert, Max Verstappen might explore his options ahead of the 2026 season. Speaking to Poker Apps LTD, Herbert claimed the Verstappen clan would focus on the 2026 revamp. It is because of the drastic change within the squad, from losing the chief engineer (Adrian Newey) to losing momentum. Further, Herbert believes RBR is still competing for the race wins, but the domination has been vanquished. Meanwhile, Norris and McLaren are the new rising forces. Therefore, it all boils down to Verstappen reconsidering his future.
Furthermore, the veteran racer pointed out the rumour that Mercedes’ powerful engines would lead the pack in 2026. Thus, he believes this could trigger the Dutchman to consider a move to Brackley. Moreover, Herbert claims it would be foolish if Mercedes and Verstappen didn’t discuss the future possibilities. The 60-year-old Briton affirms the RBR starlet as the perfect choice for Toto Wolff.
He further focused on Horner and Marko’s ‘do not panic’ remarks. The British racer thinks otherwise, as it is high time for the Austrian squad to panic—the reason being an unhappy driver with a ‘warmonger’ father. Jos has been at the forefront of criticising Horner & CO. and could possibly drive his son to Mercedes. Ultimately, Hebert asserted the need to find a direction, as assuring Max of a world championship is non-negotiable. Otherwise, a breaking point is imminent, which results in Max Verstappen driving for the Three-Pointed Star.
Jos Verstappen Shares A Stronger Bond With Wolff Than With Horner, Claims Red Bull Senior
Similar to Herbert, RBR advisor Helmut Marko has alarmed the squad about Jos Verstappen’s bonding with Wolff. During an interaction on the Inside Line podcast, Marko stirred the pot by claiming Jos is a ‘bigger fan’ of Wolff than he is of Horner.
However, he feels that Wolff and Verstappen SR. are neighbours in Monte Carlo, the only reason for their bond. Thus, it has nothing to do with F1 or Max Verstappen’s future.