775 replies to this topic

[jonklug]

I think Max would have a decent chance at going almost anywhere he wanted, even if there would be existing contracts in the way almost everywhere.

 

But, it Max actually reached out to Ferrari, Mercedes, Aston Martin or McLaren and said he wanted to join for 2026, wouldn't every single team at least consider just making it happen? 

 

Of course they would, it goes without saying. It's bewildering for me that Verstappen is still giving RedBull time however. He could have had all of this sorted by now but wants to stay loyal to a sinking ship. 

[SophieB]

This quote is completely made up by the way. The account that posted it has been consistently making up quotes and posting them, while tagging a random media outlet.

I certainly couldn’t find it on The Race.

[lewislorenzo]

I think Max would have a decent chance at going almost anywhere he wanted, even if there would be existing contracts in the way almost everywhere.

But, it Max actually reached out to Ferrari, Mercedes, Aston Martin or McLaren and said he wanted to join for 2026, wouldn't every single team at least consider just making it happen?

Considering it and actually doing it are 2 entirely different things. Only Aston Martin I could see doing it as they kicked out Seb for Alonso so that is his best bet.

However if the Honda engine is a dud the toys will come out the pram again fairly quickly

Of course they would, it goes without saying

Let’s see

I don't think he is to be honest.

By cooked I was referring to car competitiveness unless he ends up at Merc for 2026

Edited by lewislorenzo, Yesterday, 10:24.

[Benchulo]

Where else can he go then? Looks like Aston Martin if they drop Nando

I think Aston Martin or Mercedes for 2026. If Toto loans Antonelli to another team like Alpine for couple of seasons, I can see Mercedes sign Verstappen. Or maybe Ferrari or McLaren, but only in 2027.

Edited by Benchulo, Yesterday, 11:31.

[William Hunt]

I think Max would have a decent chance at going almost anywhere he wanted, even if there would be existing contracts in the way almost everywhere.

 

But, it Max actually reached out to Ferrari, Mercedes, Aston Martin or McLaren and said he wanted to join for 2026, wouldn't every single team at least consider just making it happen? 

Only Aston Martin would be seriously interested. People have a lot of fantasy on this forum.

[JimmyClark]

I think there is a very high chance that at least one of these things will happen...
- Max moving teams
- Alonso retiring a year early
- Hamilton retiring a year early

Just one of them happening will throw a hand grenade into the driver market; if all three happen then it will be one for the ages.

Edited by JimmyClark, Yesterday, 11:48.

[Kao18]

Only Aston Martin would be seriously interested. People have a lot of fantasy on this forum.

The only thing that could get in the way of a potential move to Mercedes is Toto’s ego imo.

It would be extremely risky and perhaps even stupid to pass up a chance to get Max (again) if he would be available.

[Marklar]

Only Aston Martin would be seriously interested. People have a lot of fantasy on this forum.

everyone would be interested, but just few would actually go for it. History has proven time and time again that the narrative that everyone would move heaven and earth to get the best driver is pure fantasy.

Just go through all options: McLaren? Teams that dominate dont change up their line up, it'll need a gigantic fallout and one driver leaving on their own. Ferrari? They wont drop Leclerc and although he underperforms I doubt they drop Hamilton after one year (quite certain that when his contract runs they would not extend it if Max is available). Mercedes? tbh I thought this was doable the way Toto has been thirsting about him (and Russell's contract is expiring) but the way Russell performs currently it seems unlikely (and I dont think he would burn Kimi by demoting him). Aston Martin is really the only one of what you would consider as a top team capable team that would go for it 100 % imo, for 2026 at least and based on the currently parameters, obviously one move and all bets are off anyway.

Edited by Marklar, Yesterday, 12:07.

[Lennat]

The only thing that could get in the way of a potential move to Mercedes is Toto’s ego imo.

It would be extremely risky and perhaps even stupid to pass up a chance to get Max (again) if he would be available.

 

I agree. Max could well be the difference between zero and five championships if several cars are competitive

 

It you can switch an aging superstar (Alonso/Hamilton) or a race winner and likely championship contender in the right car (Norris/Russel/Piastri/Leclerc) for THE current top driver, why wouldn't you? It doesn't only mean you get Max, but also that no one else does.

 

Just to be clear: I am not predicting any specific outcome, just saying that I think Max has the leverage, reputation and power to make a lot of things happen if he really wants to.

Edited by Lennat, Yesterday, 12:25.

[Alfisti]

You guys are amazing in how you take contracts at face value, if you can get Max, you take him so long as the money makes sense. Contracts schmontracts, make it happen. 

 

I reakon Lewis retires after 26, Ferrari should be on the prowl for 27.

[Afterburner]

As much as I would love to see the scenario in which Aston and Honda hit the ground running and Alonso takes that elusive third championship, I just don’t see it happening, because if the Aston is any good and Verstappen is available he’s going to be there.

It’s just a question of how long it will take Newley’s influence to materialize there. Even if Verstappen is impatient I don’t think he’s stupid—Honda and Newey are known quantities and even if it’s a 3-year wait to get back to the front that’s better than never getting back there, so I’m certain he’d take it.

[lewislorenzo]

You guys are amazing in how you take contracts at face value, if you can get Max, you take him so long as the money makes sense. Contracts schmontracts, make it happen.

I reakon Lewis retires after 26, Ferrari should be on the prowl for 27.

Does Max want Charles as a teammate though?

[Kao18]

Does Max want Charles as a teammate though?

 

 

You would have to ask him.

 

Does Charles want Max as a teammate?

 

For what its worth I dont think it would matter much to him, https://x.com/RBR_Da...325663684747527

 

You may also remember he wasnt to happy with Lawson getting replaced after just two races so it looks like he doesnt have much to say about it at Red Bull.

 

And here is another one: https://www.planetf1...k to be growing.

Edited by Kao18, Yesterday, 13:03.

[IrvTheSwerve]

I think there is a very high chance that at least one of these things will happen...
- Max moving teams
- Alonso retiring a year early
- Hamilton retiring a year early

Just one of them happening will throw a hand grenade into the driver market; if all three happen then it will be one for the ages.

 

I'm probably stating the obvious here, but 2026 is end-of-career-defining for Alonso and Hamilton. If the AM or Ferrari are duds, I can see imminent retirement for either or both. Particularly Alonso.

[lewislorenzo]

You would have to ask him.

Does Charles want Max as a teammate?

For what its worth I dont think it would matter much to him, https://x.com/RBR_Da...325663684747527

You may also remember he wasnt to happy with Lawson getting replaced after just two races so it looks like he doesnt have much to say about it at Red Bull.

And here is another one: https://www.planetf1...k to be growing.

Actions speak louder than words…

I'm probably stating the obvious here, but 2026 is end-of-career-defining for Alonso and Hamilton. If the AM or Ferrari are duds, I can see imminent retirement for either or both. Particularly Alonso.

Why would Max go there if they make duds…

Edited by lewislorenzo, Yesterday, 13:25.

[DW46]

Does Max want Charles as a teammate though?

There was some stuff from Marko about not pairing him with Alonso a year or so back and depending whom you believe out of Horner/Hamilton some noise about not wanting Hamilton/LeClerc as a teammate plus the recent Russell stuff but he’s always been pretty consistent in the media saying he’d take all comers.

I’d love Verstappen / Russell pairing just because it would be next level petty 😂 and I imagine some good on track stuff too.

[IrvTheSwerve]

Why would Max go there if they make duds…

 

Err did I say he would?

[lewislorenzo]

I’d love Verstappen / Russell pairing just because it would be next level petty 😂 and I imagine some good on track stuff too.

Would be pure comedy😂can’t see it unfortunately

[rodlamas]

Ralf Schumacher has Max Verstappen at Aston Martin for 2026. But a month ago he had him at Mercedes.

[Yoshi]

Ralf Schumacher has Max Verstappen at Aston Martin for 2026. But a month ago he had him at Mercedes.

Classic Ralf 👀

[garoidb]

As much as I would love to see the scenario in which Aston and Honda hit the ground running and Alonso takes that elusive third championship, I just don’t see it happening, because if the Aston is any good and Verstappen is available he’s going to be there.

It’s just a question of how long it will take Newley’s influence to materialize there. Even if Verstappen is impatient I don’t think he’s stupid—Honda and Newey are known quantities and even if it’s a 3-year wait to get back to the front that’s better than never getting back there, so I’m certain he’d take it.

 

That would take Adrian Newey up to the 70 mark. I'm not sure how much of a known quantity that aspect is really. 

[garoidb]

everyone would be interested, but just few would actually go for it. History has proven time and time again that the narrative that everyone would move heaven and earth to get the best driver is pure fantasy.

Just go through all options: McLaren? Teams that dominate dont change up their line up, it'll need a gigantic fallout and one driver leaving on their own. Ferrari? They wont drop Leclerc and although he underperforms I doubt they drop Hamilton after one year (quite certain that when his contract runs they would not extend it if Max is available). Mercedes? tbh I thought this was doable the way Toto has been thirsting about him (and Russell's contract is expiring) but the way Russell performs currently it seems unlikely (and I dont think he would burn Kimi by demoting him). Aston Martin is really the only one of what you would consider as a top team capable team that would go for it 100 % imo, for 2026 at least and based on the currently parameters, obviously one move and all bets are off anyway.

 

Yes. McLaren won't be tempted to change. If Red Bull are believed to be facing a period of non-competitiveness (not certain, frankly), Ferrari and Mercedes would be the two safest bets for Max. If they each know the other is not taking him, then he could be neutralised for a while (maybe forever). If Kimi Antonelli is as good as hoped, Mercedes could continue as they are for a long time, with Kimi gently displacing George into a team driver. Would you want Max if Kimi is the next Max? Ferrari can't continue with their current pair forever, but there could be a few more seasons in them. In that circumstance, Max is probably going to be in Red Bull Ford (sans Newey) or Aston Martin Honda (with Newey but only recently) for a while, and both of those are shots in the dark. 

[Gravelngrass]

As much as I would love to see the scenario in which Aston and Honda hit the ground running and Alonso takes that elusive third championship, I just don’t see it happening, because if the Aston is any good and Verstappen is available he’s going to be there.

It’s just a question of how long it will take Newley’s influence to materialize there. Even if Verstappen is impatient I don’t think he’s stupid—Honda and Newey are known quantities and even if it’s a 3-year wait to get back to the front that’s better than never getting back there, so I’m certain he’d take it.

We are used to thinking Newey can solve anything and be enough by himself to bring a team to the front. But that is hardly the case. Anyone, even Newey, needs a sound organization around him to be able to realize his potential. And from what I have been reading, Aston Martin with Stroll at the helm, seems to be far from that.

[Beri]

Max Verstappen has informed Red Bull Racing he is willing to race for “any team on the grid except with George Russell”, an anonymous source reports.


No way !

https://x.com/msport...zg-bv2n8am2mMAg

 

That anonymous source must have been someone not knowing Verstappen at all. Because he has always stated that he doesnt care who drives next to him. Hence he never got into the discussion on who should partner him in the second seat.

[SenorSjon]

We are used to thinking Newey can solve anything and be enough by himself to bring a team to the front. But that is hardly the case. Anyone, even Newey, needs a sound organization around him to be able to realize his potential. And from what I have been reading, Aston Martin with Stroll at the helm, seems to be far from that.

 

And Newey also made some duds through the years. The 2019/20-ish rule changes to the front wing did take a while to get the car stable again. The current trouble started with a mid-2023 update. They say they know what causes it, they don't have a solution for it.

 

Regarding teammates. Verstappen didn't want Perez and Lawson to leave because he said the problem was not the driver, but the car. 

[Anderis]

And Newey also made some duds through the years.

MP4-19 was pretty bad, wasn't it?