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Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Max Verstappen to Mercedes F1 2026: Is Red Bull Exit Inevitable Amid Uncertainty?
The Formula 1 paddock is rarely quiet, but the whispers surrounding Max Verstappen's future have reached a fever pitch. Despite a contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, the reigning four-time World Champion is 'strongly' considering a bombshell exit, according to former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher. It's a move that, from many angles, feels like a strategic masterstroke given the current landscape, presenting a near-perfect window for the Dutchman to jump ship. Also Read:: F1 Power Rankings 2025: Top 10 at Midseason Point Ahead of Belgian Grand Prix Why Max Verstappen should consider jumping now Red Bull, a team synonymous with Verstappen's recent dominance in F1, finds itself in what many describe as a downward spiral, with its current struggles expected to last two to three years. The departure of team principal Christian Horner has added a significant new wrinkle to Verstappen's contemplation, and while some theorize Horner's axing was meant to keep Max, observers, such as Schumacher, are unsure if the two issues are linked. Compounding this, the team's car performance and handling have worsened, much to Verstappen's frustration, with Pierre Waché reportedly failing to make the car truly 'drivable and good' for a year and a half. Red Bull is currently fourth in the team standings, with Verstappen scoring all but seven of their points. (They're) just missing final contract details, but everyone knows that it's an option. They are talking. Until August, he needs to have made a decision, they will either get the final details right or not. But I think it would be pretty cool. Nelson Piquet Jr. on Verstappen/Mercedes F1 Talks 'Because for two, or a year and a half, Pierre Waché has failed to make the car really drivable and good,' Schumacher surmised, which is a bigger reason for Verstappen to be unhappy at Red Bull. 'So I still think that after last weekend, Max is thinking strongly about leaving Red Bull.' Departures could spook Max Verstappen Beyond on-track performance, the high-profile staff departures at Red Bull are a massive concern for anyone involved. There remains uncertainty surrounding the Red Bull Powertrains division. The entry of Ford as a new engine manufacturer in 2026 also brings uncertainty to a team already overflowing with it. Historical examples, such as Honda's return, show that it can take years for new engines to become reliable and championship-winning. For Verstappen, losing the best driver on the grid would undoubtedly cause Red Bull to struggle, not just from a talent perspective but also in developing the car. This period of instability and uncertainty at his current team creates a compelling argument for a change. Related: What does Verstappen gain by signing with Mercedes? Enter Mercedes, a team that has made no secret of its flirting with Verstappen. Team principal Toto Wolff and Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, have already confirmed that talks are underway. The most revealing hint came from Nelson Piquet Jr., the brother of Verstappen's partner, Kelly, who recently stated on a podcast that Max would be with Mercedes in 2026. '(They're) just missing final contract details, but everyone knows that it's an option,' Piquet Jr. said. 'They are talking. Until August, he needs to have made a decision, they will either get the final details right or not. But I think it would be pretty cool.' Mercedes is widely tipped to be the team for the new 2026 regulations, with word in the paddock suggesting they have the most advanced engine project. From a pure performance standpoint, Mercedes appears a safer bet than Red Bull. Earlier in the season, Aston Martin was also considered a possible landing spot for Verstappen. The rumored $300 million hasn't resurfaced, but with Adrian Newey now on the Aston Martin team, it could make sense. Related: What would be the downside of a Mercedes move? If the move happens for Verstappen, it isn't without its caveats. While Mercedes' engine project is highly regarded, there's no guarantee of success and the question remains whether they can build a decent and championship-contending car around it, especially given their serial failures in the ground-effect era are well known. The simple truth is that nobody knows what 2026 will have in store and a decision based on'actual results and performance figures rather than just development hype is more likely. Should Mercedes struggle, any new long-term contract they secure with Verstappen would likely be'more watertight, making it harder for him to walk away compared to his current Red Bull deal, which includes performance clauses that can be triggered. Despite these unknowns at Mercedes, the timing feels increasingly right for Verstappen. His current Red Bull contract has performance clauses that could allow him to leave if needed, but if he waits, Mercedes might tie him into a less flexible deal. With Red Bull facing a challenging rebuild and uncertain future, taking the leap to a team that is proactively pursuing him and building for the new regulations makes strategic sense. It is a decision fraught with risk for both driver and team, but in the volatile world of F1, sometimes the biggest gambles yield the greatest rewards. Related: Related Headlines 2025 MLB Power Rankings Update: Red Sox Make Top 10 as Rays Tumble Identifying 4 Top Jarren Duran Trade Landing Spots Identifying 4 Best Eugenio Suarez Trade Destinations Amid MLB Rumors NASCAR Predictions for Dover: Cup Series Winner, In-Season Challenge Final 4 Picks
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Sebastian Vettel Confirms Red Bull Discussions for Return to F1
Porsche Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel has confirmed discussions with Red Bull Racing regarding a potential non-driving return to the F1 paddock. Vettel, who secured all his championships with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013, retired from driving at the close of the 2022 season. Advertisement The 37-year-old German driver has been identified as a potential successor to Dr. Helmut Marko, the 82-year-old head of Red Bull's influential young driver program. Vettel himself was the first truly successful graduate of this program. Also Read:: F1 Power Rankings 2025: Top 10 Entering Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg In comments made to ORF podcast Sport am Sonntag, Sebastian Vettel stated that while the discussions are 'not yet so intense, and in-depth,' he believes it 'may be something where I can play a role, but in what form, it will show.' He explicitly clarified that any talks of a driving comeback are not on the table. Vettel was quick to talk about his respect for Marko, describing him as irreplaceable due to his distinct character and 'very large contribution to what the whole team has done over the years since 2005.' He also admitted not being closely connected to the happenings in F1 over the past few years but did say he believes he still has a lot to give back to the sport and to teach others. Marko acknowledged having an idea of Vettel as a successor, but emphasized that a final decision on his return has not been made and that it won't happen anytime soon. Advertisement While discussions are ongoing, the exact nature of a potential role for the former champion remains undetermined. Story developing… Related Headlines
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
F1 2025 British Grand Prix: Top 5 Storylines for Silverstone
McLaren The F1 championship returns to its birthplace, Silverstone, following the intense Austrian Grand Prix, with a threat of bad weather that won't dampen the excitement. The 12th round of the 2025 World Championship brings high pressure together with fascinating storylines that race fans are eating up. Here are five stories that have us buzzing for the British Grand Prix. Advertisement Also Read:: F1 Power Rankings 2025: Top 10 Entering British Grand Prix at Silverstone McLaren's Rollercoaster Title Fight: Norris vs. Piastri Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images The 2025 British Grand Prix is shaping up to be a real barnburner, with all eyes locked on the electrifying McLaren showdown between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Silverstone's buzzing with anticipation as these two teammates slug it out for the championship crown. Fresh off his commanding pole-to-flag win in Austria, Norris clawed back a hefty 15 points from Piastri in the title chase. That victory was a massive bounce-back for Lando after his tangle with Piastri in Canada—a crash he owned up to completely. The 'Landostand' faithful will be out in full force, cheering their home hero at Silverstone, but Norris knows he's got to keep racking up wins to wrestle the championship lead back from his teammate. Advertisement The McLaren garage? It's electric with this friendly rivalry. Both drivers are pushing each other to the limit, and it's making for some heart-pounding racing. Related: F1 American Explosion: Another Record Falls in Canada, Proving the Hype is Real Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari Red and Ferrari's Progress Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images The Silverstone crowd would have never predicted Lewis Hamilton would exchange his Mercedes silver for Ferrari red, but here we are. His emotional victory at this very circuit in 2024 with Mercedes feels like a lifetime ago, marking the start of a bold new chapter in his storied career. The 2025 Austrian Grand Prix brought a major floor upgrade to Ferrari, which received positive feedback from both Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc. The true test of this upgrade's potential comes now at Silverstone, where Ferrari aims to close the gap to the front-runners and showcase their progress on one of the season's most demanding tracks. Read More: Ferrari 2025 Austrian GP Podium: SF-25 Upgrade Boosts Leclerc, Hamilton to P3-P4 Red Bull's Redemption Arc: Can Max Verstappen Bounce Back? Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images The home Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring turned into a disaster for Max Verstappen and his Red Bull Racing team when he crashed with Kimi Antonelli on the opening lap. The DNF last week in Austria is a massive setback for Verstappen, who now will find it hard to compete for the drivers' championship in 2025. The Silverstone circuit proves to be a challenging track for Max Verstappen, who traditionally struggles there. Yet, he is Max. Could he upend the circuit and surprise at the 2025 British Grand Prix? Unlikely, but never count Verstappen out. Advertisement Read More: Max Verstappen 'Apology' Doesn't Squash Spanish GP 2025 Controversy Mercedes' Momentum & George Russell's Future Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images It's been a wild week for Mercedes' top driver George Russell. With continued rumors about a Max Verstappen/Mercedes deal looming for 2026, all attention is focused on his contract status. The future of George Russell at Mercedes remains uncertain, but could be put to bed at home with a new contract announcement before Sunday's race. Still, Mercedes displayed their potential with Russell and Kimi Antonelli at the Canadian Grand Prix, where Russell won and Antonelli snagged his first podium at P3. The cool Silverstone weather should help their car performance, allowing them to get back on track. Related: George Russell set to cement Mercedes future with new deal Homegrown Talent & Midfield Mayhem Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Silverstone marks the home turf for a stable of English drivers, including Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Alex Albon and Oliver Bearman. English motorsport fans will undoubtedly be watching their drivers closely. Several teams have intriguing storylines, including the Williams team of Albon, who is in dire need of a positive race at his home circuit after experiencing two consecutive DNFs. Haas driver Oliver Bearman hopes to score his first points in Formula 1 after coming close in Canada and Austria. Sauber quietly earned points in two races while Alpine continues to flounder at the bottom of the Constructors' standings and Franco Colapinto's future appears uncertain. Advertisement Read More: Sebastian Vettel Confirms Red Bull Discussions for Return to F1 Related Headlines
