P1racenews AI automatic summary:
There is much unknown ahead of the new F1 season, but Max Verstappen already has a good sense of who he will be fighting with.
Former F1 driver David Coulthard recently revealed Max Verstappen’s title rivals for this season following a conversation.
The 2026 Formula 1 season poses many uncertainties due to new power unit regulations, with top four teams attributing challenges to each other during testing.
Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari are anticipated as leading teams again, despite the new rules; speculation remains on which team will emerge strongest.
Red Bull’s new powertrain received acclaim during testing, but Mercedes recorded the fastest times at the end of the recent tests.
Verstappen considers any driver with a Mercedes engine, including Williams and Alpine, as a credible threat to his title aspirations.
Although George Russell is touted as a potential title favorite, Max Verstappen remains a strong contender, and Lewis Hamilton’s prospects with Ferrari are also being closely watched.
