The call of power: why Max Verstappen looks (with respect) toward Mercedes
The four-time world champion recognizes the structural strength of the Silver Arrows ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, subtly opening the door to possible future scenarios should Red Bull lose momentum.
When Max Verstappen speaks, his words always spark reflection. His comments, given to Sky Deutschland, clearly draw a line between the present and the future of Formula 1, hinting at a potential shift in balance that could redefine the sport’s hierarchy for the next regulatory era. The Dutchman, already a four-time world champion, made no effort to hide the looming challenge: “Obviously next year will not be easy at all with our engine.”
That opening remark came from someone who never hides behind diplomacy and fully understands that difficult times might be ahead. “It’s a new risk for Red Bull, but joining Formula 1 was already a risk, and I don’t think they’ve done a bad job so far. Will there be another era of domination like in 2014? Hard to say, but I also believe Mercedes will be ahead. They’ve always been there, always strong, they’re a top-level company. That’s why I think they’ll be in front, especially when performance depends so heavily on the engine.”
These are powerful words, particularly coming from the driver who has personified Red Bull’s total dominance in recent years. Verstappen knows that 2026 will mark a turning point: the new technical regulations, with an increased focus on the electric component and a more complex hybrid system, will test every manufacturer’s capabilities to the limit.
In that context, Mercedes remains the most credible contender for a return to the top. The experience it gained during the golden years of the hybrid era, its ability to design winning power units, and its solid engineering infrastructure make the Silver Arrows the benchmark for the upcoming cycle. Red Bull, even with Ford’s support, cannot yet count on that same legacy — the American manufacturer has been absent from the Formula 1 paddock for far too long.
Max Verstappen acknowledges this reality, and his words are not mere politeness — they carry meaning. If 2026 begins with a less dominant Red Bull, the allure of joining a team like Mercedes could become a very real temptation. It’s no secret that Toto Wolff has long admired the Dutch driver, and the internal tensions within Red Bull have repeatedly fueled speculation about potential moves. In a Formula 1 that’s preparing to reinvent itself, Max Verstappen may simply want to ensure that he is in the right place at the right time.
Yet, his words also reveal a deep awareness of a team that refuses to give up. “We’ll definitely give our best,” Max added. “I hope we’ll be close to the top, but of course, we don’t know yet.” It’s a candid acknowledgment of the unprecedented technical challenge that lies ahead. Red Bull Powertrains is developing the 2026 power unit internally, with Ford’s support, but without the direct experience that Mercedes, Ferrari, and Honda have accumulated over more than a decade of hybrid racing. It’s a calculated risk — a bold leap toward complete independence, both technically and philosophically.
From a management perspective, Verstappen remains cautious, as if playing a strategic hand in a high-stakes poker game. He offered only a cryptic comment on the team’s new direction following the arrival of Laurent Mekies: “Yes, something has changed, but nobody needs to know what. I won’t say anything about it, but the important thing is that we are faster on track.” His message perfectly reflects the Dutch champion’s approach — focus on performance, silence on internal matters, and confidence in the results.
Red Bull, in any case, has no intention of surrendering ground without a fight. But there’s an increasing sense that the winds are shifting, and that Mercedes could once again become “the engine to beat.” Even Verstappen, the face of Red Bull’s golden age, seems to recognize this possibility. If the Silver Arrows truly rise again in 2026, one question becomes inevitable: will Max Verstappen still be the one fighting against them — or the one driving for them?
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