Max Verstappen on 2026 concerns: “Mercedes will be ahead, they are a top company”. Max Verstappen discusses his worries about Mercedes’ power unit advantage for 2026.

Max Verstappen and doubts about 2026

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen knows that by choosing to stay with Red Bull at least through 2026, he may have passed up the chance to be the dominant force in the next championship. Speaking to Sky Germany, Max Verstappen discussed the rumors suggesting that Mercedes could hold a significant advantage in the design and development of their power units under the upcoming regulation cycle.

Why the Mercedes engine will be the benchmark

“Obviously,” Max Verstappen said, “next year will not be easy with our engine. It’s a new risk for Red Bull, but entering Formula 1 was already a risk, and I don’t think they did a bad job. Will there be a new domination like in 2014? Hard to say, but I also believe Mercedes will be ahead. They have always been strong and consistent—they are a top company. That’s why I think they will lead, especially when performance depends on the engine.”

However, Verstappen stressed that Red Bull is not ready to concede defeat for the next regulation cycle. “We will definitely give our best. I hope we will be close to the top, but obviously we don’t know yet,” he added.

Praise for Laurent Mekies’ Red Bull leadership

In an interview with Dutch TV channel Viaplay, Max Verstappen also touched on the changes implemented by Laurent Mekies since taking over the team management in July, following Christian Horner’s departure. “Yes, something has changed, but no one needs to know exactly what. I won’t say anything about it, but the important thing is that we are going faster on track,” Max Verstappen explained.

Recently, Max’s father, Jos Verstappen, also praised the new French team principal, noting that everyone in the team “is smiling now,” highlighting the positive impact of Mekies’ leadership on Red Bull’s team atmosphere.