Overview

• Helmut Marko said Verstappen has committed to race for Red Bull in 2026 but acknowledged a future U-turn remains possible under performance-related clauses.
• Red Bull faces unknowns from the 2026 rules reset and its in-house Ford power units, a shift observers say could alter the competitive order.
• Former F1 driver Perry McCarthy told RacingNews365 that Verstappen’s presence is vital for team stability following recent senior departures, including Christian Horner, Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley.
• Juan Pablo Montoya publicly urged Red Bull to target Carlos Sainz by buying him out of his Williams deal if Verstappen were to leave, a move reported as complex given Sainz’s contract through next season.
• Sainz’s first year at Williams has yielded fewer points than teammate Alex Albon, with reports citing a 54–16 deficit in the standings.