Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone sees Red Bull’s recovery as a major warning for Mercedes in the 2026 title fight
Bernie Ecclestone backs Max Verstappen’s resurgence
During the recent Miami Grand Prix weekend, most Formula 1 teams arrived with substantial upgrade packages in an effort to strengthen their position in the early stages of the 2026 championship battle. Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull all introduced notable developments, making Miami an important benchmark in the current campaign.
Mercedes, however, may have delivered the most concerning message to their rivals.
The Brackley-based team managed to secure victory in Florida with Andrea Kimi Antonelli despite running a car that was still largely close to its original season specification, with only minimal updates. That performance naturally raises questions about just how much untapped potential Mercedes may still have when more substantial upgrades arrive.
Among the leading teams, the competitive picture appears increasingly complex. Ferrari seemed to lose some momentum in Miami, while both McLaren and Red Bull showed meaningful progress. Those shifts suggest that the 2026 Formula 1 world championship could become far more competitive over the coming races.
Bernie Ecclestone: “Red Bull have overcome the crisis”
Mercedes may currently hold the upper hand, but the true scale of that advantage could become much clearer at the Canadian Grand Prix, a circuit that should offer a stronger comparison of outright performance.
Still, the competition remains intense, and former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone believes one particular rival should be causing concern inside Mercedes.
Speaking to Blick, Bernie Ecclestone suggested that Red Bull’s difficult phase may already be behind them.
“It looks like Red Bull have overcome the crisis, and Max Verstappen is once again on fire. He will definitely be dangerous,” he said.
In Bernie Ecclestone’s view, the championship is far from settled. Max Verstappen’s resurgence could reshape the title race—but the bigger question is: dangerous for whom?
For many, the natural answer would be Mercedes. Yet Bernie Ecclestone went even further by naming the two drivers he believes will fight for the championship all the way to the end of the season: “It will be Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen battling for the title. One of those two will win it,” he concluded.
It is a bold prediction, especially because it effectively leaves George Russell out of the championship conversation despite the British driver’s place in the Mercedes line-up. So far, George Russell has managed only one victory from the opening rounds, and while the season remains long, the pressure is already building. Beating teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli in Canada could prove crucial if George Russell wants to remain firmly in the title picture.
Otherwise, the internal dynamic at Mercedes—and the wider championship battle—could become significantly more complicated in the weeks ahead.
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