Max Verstappen 2026 prediction made with two F1 teams fighting to sign him from Red Bull

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Max Verstappen’s seat might be safe for now at Red Bull, but there could be a big change in store for the Dutchman in 2026.

It is no secret that Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been openly courting Max Verstappen since the news that Lewis Hamilton would join Ferrari in 2025.

Even though the Silver Arrows are expected to sign 17-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the team is hunting for the next star driver to win world championships.

Verstappen has been unhappy at recent races with Red Bull’s performances, with the team falling behind in the competitive order. There is also some ambiguity over Red Bull’s 2026 engine project with Ford, which some insiders believe could be behind schedule.

With Mercedes in the running, another team has also emerged according to former F1 driver Robert Doornbos in a post on LinkedIn, who is expected to sway the Dutchman ‘sparing no expense’.

Two F1 teams expected to fight over signing Max Verstappen

The new regulations in 2026 mean there is no guarantee Red Bull will be the leading team, which means Verstappen is potentially looking at his options should they fail to deliver on their performance promises.

One of those could end up being at Aston Martin, whose billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll is reportedly aiming to sign Verstappen alongside Fernando Alonso in an all-star lineup in 2026.

Doornbos also believes that Verstappen could consider a move to the Silverstone-based team as he weighs up a move away from Red Bull.

“Max Verstappen’s relationship with Mercedes remains strong. Mercedes has an open seat for 2025, and it’s likely that during the Monza weekend, they’ll announce that Kimi Antonelli will get the chance to debut in Formula 1 alongside George Russell,” said Doornbos.

“I still believe Max will join Mercedes in 2026, although Aston Martin will do everything to sway him, sparing no expense.”

Max Verstappen could be reunited with Adrian Newey

Alongside the prospect of a fiery partnership with Alonso, a move to Aston Martin could also see Verstappen reunited with Adrian Newey and Honda.

Newey is expected to join Aston Martin with an announcement as early as September according to reports, after a potential deal with Ferrari fell through due to his demands.

The winning combination has driven Verstappen to three titles so far at Red Bull, with a fourth likely on the cards in 2024 as he attempts to get his season back on track in the last 10 races.

Aston Martin is reportedly building one of the most impressive facilities in F1 ahead of the 2026 regulations, with Stroll keen to invest the capital that could yield championship success.

The team has also employed a significant number of backroom staff, including ex-Mercedes engine boss Andy Cowell and Ferrari technical director Enrico Cardile.