P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen is staying with Red Bull for the 2026 F1 season, but Ralf Schumacher has backed Toto Wolff to continue his pursuit to get the Dutchman to Mercedes for 2027.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher doubts that Toto Wolff will give up on trying to sign Max Verstappen from Red Bull, even though Verstappen will remain with the team for the 2026 F1 season. Verstappen’s decision means he will experience the new regulatory era with Red Bull, giving him the opportunity to assess his future options carefully.
Despite being under contract with Red Bull until 2028, there have been persistent rumors about Verstappen potentially moving to Mercedes in the future, fueled by talks initiated by Wolff last year. Verstappen’s decision to stay put was solidified before the Belgian Grand Prix, making it clear that his focus remains with the Red Bull team.
While talks between Wolff and Verstappen might have been centered around 2027, there is still a possibility of a future switch to Mercedes, even though it won’t happen for the 2026 season. The new F1 rules introduce uncertainty about the competitive landscape, with Red Bull facing additional challenges as they transition into a power unit manufacturer without Adrian Newey’s expertise.
Mercedes is expected to have a strong start with their power unit in the next era, potentially putting pressure on Red Bull to perform. Verstappen’s contract reportedly includes another break clause that could be activated if he falls out of the top two in the drivers’ standings next season, suggesting that his future movements may not be entirely settled.
