Bernie Collins outlines the 2026 Red Bull scenario that will see Max Verstappen ‘want to’ leave

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Max Verstappen will be excited and slightly nervous to see what sort of car Red Bull produces ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations.

They have spent the last few months meticulously preparing for a new era that will challenge their competitiveness, as well as Verstappen’s.

For the first time ever, Red Bull will bring their own power units next season, which will pose difficulties from a few angles, including reliability and speed.

But that’s what makes the 2026 F1 regulations so exciting, and leaves fans wondering just who will be at the top of the pecking order in Australia.

2025 might have ‘cost’ Red Bull for next year, as they had an aggressive development strategy in a bid to win a fifth straight title.

Fred Vasseur thinks Ferrari will overtake Red Bull as the team faces challenges thrown up by the new rules. It’s not going to be an easy switch.

READ MORE: Laurent Mekies is adamant Max Verstappen is ‘more extraordinary’ outside an F1 car than in it

Bernie Collins expects Max Verstappen will ‘want to’ leave Red Bull if their engine struggles in 2026

Speaking on the F1 Show Podcast, Bernie Collins believes that the Dutchman won’t have too much patience if he doesn’t have the chance to win next year.

“I think he will,” she said. “I think that the expectation is that that power unit isn’t going to be very good, or isn’t going to be as good as the others, I’d say.

“So, that’s the expectation. Red Bull have tried very hard, they’ve recruited very heavily, took a lot of people from Mercedes, for example. But yeah, Verstappen, everyone acknowledges his driving ability.

“So, of course, he’s going to be able to walk into any of the paddocks or any of the hospitality units and say, ‘Get a CV out.’ I think that’s going to be fair game,” Collins continued.

“Next year is going to be a telling year for what he does, because he can’t afford, and probably doesn’t want to stay there if the engine is not as strong. He wants to be straight into a winning car, he doesn’t want to be running around at the back trying to improve engine reliability.”

Red Bull have been warned they’re going to suffer in the absence of Helmut Marko over the next 12 months, following his departure from the team.

His friendship and advice to Verstappen was certainly a handy asset, and without him around, who is there to convince him to stay?

READ MORE: Laurent Mekies’ ‘distracted’ admission may hint at why Red Bull let Helmut Marko go

What would Red Bull do if Max Verstappen left them in 2026?

It’s hard to tell exactly what Red Bull’s best option would be if Verstappen were to end an 11-season partnership with them next year.

Obviously, they have to have a premier driver if they are to compete at the highest level in Formula 1, which is the sort of talent which can be hard to come by.

Charles Leclerc never wants to leave Ferrari, but could be on the market if they fail to produce a winning car, while George Russell could be available in an effective swap.

It all depends on how much they want to pay and who is willing to help steer their ship for a new long-term project. It won’t be easy at Red Bull.