P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Verstappen declares Red Bull new team-mate talks ‘waste of time’
Four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen expressed frustration over recent discussions about a potential future team-mate, deeming them a waste of time. Despite committing to Red Bull for the immediate future, rumors of a switch to Mercedes for 2027 remain a possibility. Red Bull must now focus on finding a suitable driver to pair with Verstappen for the upcoming season, as Yuki Tsunoda struggled to secure consistent points finishes. With the team essentially running as a one-man show, Red Bull needs to address the issue before the 2026 regulations come into play. Possible replacements for Tsunoda include RB star Isack Hadjar or even IndyCar champion Alex Palou, although Verstappen remains cautious about speculating on prospective driver performances in F1. Overall, Red Bull faces a critical decision regarding their No.2 driver position as they aim to strengthen their lineup for the future.
