A look at how Red Bull could look next season as they strive to keep world champion Max Verstappen from Mercedes’ clutches amid their continuing second driver issues
Speculation over Max Verstappen’s Red Bull future continues to rage. Despite having a contract with the team until 2028, the Formula 1 champion continues to give non-committal answers to questions about his 2026 plans.
That will be music to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff’s ear, with the Austrian keen to bring him to the Silver Arrows, probably at the expense of Canadian Grand Prix winner George Russell. Rookie Kimi Antonelli, 18, is set to be given more than a year to prove himself.
That would be harsh on the King’s Lynn driver, who bettered Lewis Hamilton in 2024 and has become the team leader this season. But F1 is a ruthless business, and Wolff, who has already held talks with Team Verstappen, will not pass up the opportunity to land the best driver on the grid.
Even Russell, who himself has been linked with Aston Martin, has no qualms about Mercedes’ continued interest in his arch-rival. Speaking ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, he said: “Why wouldn’t teams be interested in Max? If every driver had no contracts for next year, Max would be No.1 for every single team. And that’s understandable.”
That said, Red Bull should be doing everything they can to keep their prized asset, especially given that no one else seems capable of getting the best out of a troublesome car. Here’s how 2026 could ideally look for Red Bull…
Verstappen signs new deal
The Dutchman is already in the middle of a long-term contract, albeit with rumoured get-out clauses. There is technically no rush for the parties to discuss a new deal. But Red Bull should look to tie Verstappen, 27, to a watertight contract that will take him well into his 30s.
Not only would that be a boon for Red Bull, there would be the added bonus of team principal Christian Horner getting one over on arch nemesis Wolff. If that deal isn’t forthcoming – even if he stays for ‘26 – the speculation surrounding their leading man will drag on.
Tsunoda dropped
It feels like half the grid has had a go at being Verstappen’s stablemate. Since Daniel Ricciardo made the rash decision to leave for Renault (now Alpine), it’s been a poisoned chalice.
Yuki Tsunoda is the latest incumbent and while he’s faring better than Liam Lawson, who was demoted back to Racing Bulls after two disastrous grand prix, he’s been well off Verstappen’s pace.
With Red Bull refusing to admit that building a car that only Verstappen can get the best out of might be an issue, the beleaguered number two continues to carry the can. Therefore, the popular Japanese driver will almost certainly be discarded at the end of 2025, unless he can up his game.
Hadjar steps up
The next cab on the Red Bull rank is impressive rookie Isack Hadjar, who has been superb in the sister Racing Bulls team this season. Not only has the Frenchman shown searing pace, he’s displayed impressive mental toughness, a necessary trait when you’re Verstappen’s team-mate.
Hadjar endured a nightmare start to 2025, crashing on the warm-up lap in the wet in Melbourne, but has bounced superbly to be arguably the most impressive rookie of the season so far.
Hadjar has high-level support in Marko, who has likened him to F1 great Alain Prost. The Red Bull advisor is reportedly already pushing for the 20-year-old to replace Tsunoda, having been impressed with the youngster’s consistency.
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