Max Verstappen (right) continues to drive for Red Bull. © APA/afp / SIMON WOHLFAHRT

What Verstappen's future means for the driver market

The restructuring of the driver field for the coming season is currently a hot topic in Formula 1. Although eight of the 22 cockpits for 2026 are still open, a major reshuffle seems unlikely.

July 31, 2025

From: dpa

For months, Formula 1 had been following the drama surrounding a potential move from world champion Max Verstappen to Mercedes. This crucial personnel decision also set the stage for many other questions. Since the beginning of the week, it has been clear: Verstappen (27) will remain at Red Bull.

An exit clause in his contract, which runs until the end of 2028, is no longer in effect during the summer break; the Dutchman would have had to finish worse than third in the overall standings. That's mathematically impossible even if Verstappen fails to score points in his 200th Red Bull race on Sunday (15.00:2026 p.m./Sky) in Hungary. "Yes, I can confirm that Max Verstappen will drive for Red Bull in XNUMX," team advisor Helmut Marko told RTL/ntv and "sport.de."

Mercedes should be top again in the future

This should also make it clear that Mercedes will continue to race with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli next season. With the consent of team principal Toto Wolff, Russell himself made Mercedes's talks with Verstappen public, but he remained emphatically calm throughout. "I would have liked to have given him some reassurance earlier, but we obviously didn't manage that. But I'm optimistic that he'll sleep well this summer," Wolff said.

Kimi Antonelli gets another chance to prove himself in a Mercedes. © ANSA / OLIVIER MATTHYS

This means that Russell (27) is likely to receive a long-term contract. The recently struggling rookie Antonelli (18) also appears to be able to continue to prove himself. Both can hope to be in the strongest car next year after the major rule reform. Mercedes is said to be somewhat further ahead than its competitors in developing the new engine.

Due to the significantly changed regulations, the factor of experience plays an even greater role in the personnel issues still open for 2026. The future Audi team Sauber already demonstrated this some time ago by signing Nico Hülkenberg (37) to help with the development. Aston Martin continues to rely on 44-year-old Fernando Alonso.

Mick Schumacher hopes for cockpit

Sergio Pérez, who retired from Red Bull last year, has long been considered a preferred candidate for the new Cadillac team, which will join the grid as the eleventh racing team in 2026. The 35-year-old not only brings with him significant sponsorship money from Mexico, but also the experience of 281 Grand Prix races. Former vice world champion Valtteri Bottas (35) is considered a hot contender for the second Cadillac cockpit.

Mick Schumacher hopes for a return. © APA/afp / BEN STANSALL

Mick Schumacher's hopes of a place at the US automaker aren't completely extinguished either. "Mick has tremendous potential, that shouldn't be underestimated," his somewhat embarrassed uncle Ralf Schumacher told Sky about the 26-year-old, who is currently competing in the World Endurance Championship. Also still under discussion is US driver Jak Crawford (20), whose nationality makes him attractive to Cadillac.

A lot of uncertainty for Red Bull teams

And who else is looking? At Alpine, Franco Colapinto (22), who only joined in the spring, has so far garnered little support for a follow-up contract. At Red Bull, Yuki Tsunoda (25) could already lose his seat next to Verstappen, especially since engine partner Honda, a key sponsor of the team, is leaving at the end of the year.

Uncertainty also surrounds Red Bull's sister team, the Racing Bulls. Isack Hadjar (20) is considered a possible successor to Tsunoda, especially since former Racing Bulls team boss Laurent Mekies now leads Red Bull. "I won't lie, this could be useful," Hadjar said.

The future of Liam Lawson (23), who felt the rigors of the business at the start of the season, is also unclear. Just two races after his promotion to Red Bull's regular driver, the New Zealander was sent back to the beverage giant's smaller team.