Max Verstappen has built a reputation as one of Formula 1’s fiercest competitors and has never been shy about speaking his mind. The four-time world champion has dominated in recent years but 2025 has been a different story with Verstappen already looking ahead to 2026 and has made a surprising prediction about which team might lead the pack.
What Changes Could Red Bull Face Ahead of 2026?
This season has been a rollercoaster for both Verstappen and Red Bull, and after four years of near-total dominance, the team has struggled to maintain the same level of superiority, with Verstappen being third in the standings with 63 points behind the championship leader Oscar Piastri.
Part of the difficulty comes from Red Bull preparing to debut its own engines next year which requires a lot of movement in funds and manpower. This is a move that could give them more control in the long term but comes with short-term risks.
Verstappen praised his team’s efforts under Laurent Mekies by noting improvements in the RB21 and the work being done behind the scenes. He also acknowledged that the transition to a new power unit adds pressure, “Next year will not be easy, with our own engine, of course. It’s a new risk for Red Bull. But they also took that risk when they entered Formula 1, and they didn’t do badly.”
Red Bull’s own powertrain project is a significant step away from relying on Honda as an engine supplier, and the Dutchman is staying focused on performance while managing expectations about the upcoming season.
🚨| Verstappen and the fears about 2026: “Mercedes will be ahead, they are a top company”
— Max Verstappen expressed concerns about Mercedes’ potential dominance in the 2026 season, acknowledging their prowess in power unit development. Speaking to media, Verstappen remarked:… pic.twitter.com/THoPbTkS9q
— This is Formula 1 (@ThisIsFormu1a1) October 10, 2025
Verstappen also singled out Mercedes as the favorites for 2026, due to the Silver Arrows’ long-standing engine expertise. He highlighted their experience with the engine program, which could give them an advantage with new regulations shaking up the sport next year.
Verstappen said, “I think Mercedes will be in the lead. They’re still there and strong, they’re a top company. So I think they’ll be in the lead, especially when it comes to the engine. We’re really giving it our all. I hope we’ll be close, but of course I don’t know.”
Even with that warning, Verstappen remains realistic about Red Bull’s potential as he hinted that small upgrades during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend improved the car’s performance without going into much detail. “Yes. But nobody needs to know what we have done…. the important thing is that we’re performing better,” he said.
Verstappen also mentioned that he is not too bothered about winning the driver’s title this year, “I’m not too worried about it – I can only do my best. I already have a lot of things in my life that I enjoy… Maybe there’s still a chance, and I’ll try to make the most of it, but I’m not stressing about the title.”
Verstappen’s prediction signals that fans may see a shift in the Formula 1 hierarchy, which would make next year one of the most intriguing campaigns in recent memory.