Max Verstappen’s F1 future will probably be a scorching subject following the 2026 season.
4-time world champion Verstappen put an finish to rumors over the summer season a couple of potential blockbuster transfer to Mercedes, absolutely committing to Crimson Bull for the 2026 season.
Verstappen, who has a contract with Crimson Bull till 2028, was the topic of intense hypothesis over his hyperlink to Mercedes subsequent yr till the Silver Arrows introduced new contract extensions with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
Nonetheless, the Dutchman’s future will as soon as once more be within the highlight amid a assessment of rules that might shake up the aggressive order.
Whether or not Verstappen stays with Crimson Bull till 2027 is more likely to rely upon the workforce’s efficiency subsequent yr.
Nico Rosberg believes Verstappen will wait to see how the primary yr of F1’s new guidelines cycle unfolds earlier than making a choice about his future.
“He’ll see how the season begins subsequent yr after which probably transfer to the workforce that has the most effective automotive,” the 2016 world champion instructed Sky Sports activities F1.
“He can select and he will probably be somewhat impatient. He needs to maintain profitable and win his fifth world championship.”
“If I needed to predict one thing, I feel it may very well be that approach. It is nonetheless early days anyway.
“Let’s be affected person. Crimson Bull may nonetheless be the dominant drive subsequent yr.”
The place may Verstappen go?
Verstappen has been closely linked with Mercedes and Aston Martin over the previous yr.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has publicly admitted he’s open to signing Verstappen sooner or later, whereas sustaining his religion in Russell and Antonelli.
A reunion with legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey at Aston Martin may very well be interesting to Verstappen.
Nonetheless, such a transfer would rely upon Aston Martin’s competitiveness and whether or not Fernando Alonso decides to finish his profession when his present contract expires on the finish of 2026.
Ferrari could have a spot, however McLaren, with newly topped world champion Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri on long-term contracts, would not appear to have any.
“He cannot go to McLaren. They’ve two nice incumbents. Mercedes has George and Kimi. The place’s the area for that? Ferrari?” questioned Sky Sports activities F1’s Martin Brundle.
“It’s kind of impolite to say different groups are going to remove one in every of their groups, however I am positive he’ll be known as upon from the sector by groups that wish to make area.”
