Overview

• Helmut Marko said he expects Max Verstappen to remain but acknowledged a possible U-turn next season if Red Bull is not competitive under the new rules.
• Red Bull will debut its own power units with Ford in 2026, adding uncertainty over performance against rivals such as Mercedes.
• Juan Pablo Montoya argued Red Bull should pursue Carlos Sainz and seek an early release from his Williams contract if Verstappen departs.
• Carlos Sainz is under contract at Williams through the end of next season and has struggled this year, scoring 16 points to Alex Albon’s 54 over 14 rounds.
• No formal negotiations have been reported on a Verstappen exit or a Sainz move, with current discussion centered on contingencies ahead of the 2026 reset.