The uncertainty surrounding the future of Max Verstappen in Formula 1 continues to fuel speculation, with former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone joining the discussion to offer both advice and a personal wish. While the British businessman suggested that the reigning four-time world champion should make a career choice that brings him happiness, he also expressed a clear desire to see Verstappen remain with Red Bull Racing for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Red Bull or Mercedes in 2026?
The mystery around where Max Verstappen will drive beyond the 2025 season remains unresolved. Will the Dutch superstar continue to race for Red Bull Racing, the team with which he has won all his world championships so far, or will he make a shock move to Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team starting from the 2026 season, when a new era of technical regulations begins?
A potential switch to Mercedes would confirm the persistent rumors circulating in the paddock for months. If such a move were to happen, the key question would become: which Mercedes driver would have to step aside to make room for the reigning World Champion? Most signs point toward George Russell as the driver most likely to leave the Brackley-based team should Verstappen join.
This speculation arises during a particularly delicate period for Red Bull Racing, a team currently experiencing internal instability. Max Verstappen himself has reportedly voiced growing dissatisfaction with the performance and development direction of the RB21, especially as rival teams begin to close the gap. Compounding this is the major leadership shake-up that saw the controversial dismissal of long-time Team Principal Christian Horner, who was recently replaced by Laurent Mekies. The team is now in a transitional phase, with a clear focus on regaining stability both on and off the track.
This goal of restoring internal harmony was recently echoed by former Formula 1 driver Gerhard Berger, who emphasized the importance of stabilizing the environment around Verstappen. It’s a sentiment shared by Bernie Ecclestone, the former head of Formula 1, who made his views known in a recent interview.
Ecclestone’s advice: happiness above all
In an interview granted to Sky F1, the 93-year-old Bernie Ecclestone did not shy away from offering his opinion on the decision Max Verstappen faces. He made it clear that, in his view, the Dutchman’s priority should be personal satisfaction and a working environment where he feels fulfilled.
“I think he should go where he is happy,” Ecclestone stated plainly. “Wherever he ends up, as long as he is happy, he’ll still be able to perform at his current level. He’s not the kind of guy who plays around, you know? He’s very straightforward in both what he says and what he does.”
That advice, however, came with a personal preference: despite the uncertain situation at Red Bull, Ecclestone revealed he still hopes Verstappen will stay with the Austrian team. “I’d like him to remain where he is,” he admitted, showing support for a continued alliance between Verstappen and Red Bull, the partnership that has dominated Formula 1 in recent years.
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