P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen’s future will continue to dominate headlines in F1 2026.
Max Verstappen’s F1 future remains a hot topic heading into the 2026 season as the four-time world champion has committed to Red Bull for the upcoming season, quashing rumors of a move to Mercedes. Despite speculation about a potential switch to Mercedes, Verstappen is tied to Red Bull until 2028. The upcoming regulation changes could influence Verstappen’s decision to stay with Red Bull in 2027 depending on the team’s performance. Nico Rosberg suggests that Verstappen may assess the new rules cycle’s impact on competition before making a decision on his future.
Verstappen has been linked with Mercedes and Aston Martin, with Toto Wolff expressing interest in signing him in the future. A reunion with F1 designer Adrian Newey at Aston Martin could be enticing for Verstappen, depending on the team’s competitiveness. Opportunities at Ferrari could also arise, but McLaren seems unlikely due to long-term deals with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle raised questions about available spaces for Verstappen among top teams and the dynamics of potential moves in the competitive field.
