P1racenews AI automatic summary:
As Formula 1 resets go, they do not get much more seismic than what Max Verstappen will face when he starts the 2026 Formula 1 season
In the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season, Max Verstappen will face a significant reset, with a new car, engine, team bosses, teammate, garage crew, and increased influence from Red Bull’s management.
Key figures like Christian Horner and Helmut Marko are out, replaced by Laurent Mekies and Oliver Mintzlaff, ushering in a new era at Red Bull.
Verstappen will also see changes within his team, with his chief mechanic and other engineers departing for new challenges at Audi and potentially Williams.
Amidst all these changes, Verstappen’s performance clause and the competitive landscape loom large, with rival teams eyeing a potential opportunity to lure him away from Red Bull.
Despite the uncertainties, Verstappen seemed to embrace the changes during the previous season and expressed confidence heading into the new one.
