P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen is no longer the world champion but he may take a crumb of comfort knowing that by in large in the Formula 1 world he is still considered…
Max Verstappen, though no longer the world champion, is still widely regarded as one of the best drivers in Formula 1. He values titles, like any winner, and desires official recognition as a champion. However, Verstappen’s challenge lies more in his car’s performance rather than his driving skills; he seeks a competitive vehicle that can match McLaren’s quality. Considering his talent, he could potentially join any F1 team on his terms, posing a dilemma for Red Bull’s prospects post-2026.
The decline in Red Bull’s performance is evident, especially since 2024 when their dominance with Verstappen began to fade. Despite his heroics, the team’s overall standing would suffer without his exceptional performances. Key personnel departures, such as Christian Horner, Adrian Newey, and others, have raised concerns about Red Bull’s stability and future success in the sport.
Moreover, Red Bull faces engine challenges, with their long-time supplier Honda moving to Aston Martin, leaving them to develop their own untested power units overseen by Ford. Ford’s historical success in F1 does not guarantee current performance, and their recent track record raises doubts about Red Bull’s engine competitiveness in 2026 and beyond. Verstappen’s possible departure from Red Bull could further impact the team’s fortunes, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding their future prospects in Formula 1.
