Max Verstappen has now decided his ‘Plan A’ for the 2026 F1 season between Red Bull and Mercedes

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Max Verstappen has a crucial decision to make in the next few weeks that will have huge implications for his and several other drivers’ Formula 1 careers.

Red Bull Racing have been underperforming since the middle of last season, and Max Verstappen’s expectations haven’t been met.

The 27-year-old did brilliantly to hold onto his lead in the drivers’ championship last year after McLaren and Ferrari both produced upgrade packages that saw them leapfrog Red Bull.

The winter break saw Red Bull build their first car without Adrian Newey, and after 11 race weekends, it doesn’t look like they’ve found a solution to their issues.

Yuki Tsunoda’s F1 future hangs in the balance, as he’s unable to even get close to the points-scoring positions.

This has created the biggest talking point in the F1 driver market so far this year, with Verstappen heavily linked with a move to Mercedes.

Journalist Ralf Bach has been speaking to sources in the paddock and believes he’s uncovered Verstappen’s ‘Plan A’ for next season.

He also has two back-up options in his pocket, although team principal Christian Horner might not like one of his suggestions.

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Max Verstappen’s 2026 F1 ‘Plan A’ is to join Mercedes from Red Bull next season

Bach was speaking on the F1 Insider YouTube channel about Verstappen’s future and explained: “I had many conversations, and some opinions were solidified.

“I don’t want to say who said what, you have to protect your sources, but I have gained a very clear impression again, that actually turned out to be true.

“There is a Plan A with Verstappen, which is if Mercedes really makes him feel like they want him at all costs, then Plan A is to go to Mercedes.

“Plan B is if, for some reason, Mercedes do not commit, is to stay at Red Bull, he will see how the year goes, and then make a decision in the new year, with the new engines, new regulations.

“But I heard there is a clear condition. He will only stay at Red Bull if he stays when Christian Horner is no longer there as team boss.

“So, he’s standing in the way somewhere, and there’s already a confrontation, and the Red Bull bosses have to make a decision now.

“Regardless of Mercedes’ decision, if they want to keep Max, it can only be done with a new team boss.”

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Ferrari emerges as Max Verstappen’s ‘Plan C’ if Mercedes and Red Bull options disappear

Horner was previously linked with Ferrari and replacing the under-pressure Fred Vasseur, although he’s already dismissed those claims.

It’s very hard to see him walk away from Red Bull just to keep Verstappen happy, leaving the pair at an impasse, and Jos Verstappen has made his feelings about Horner clear in the past.

Bach continued to share what he’s heard about Verstappen’s future and admitted a third option was on the table: “I don’t think Max wants Aston Martin like that.

“There are too many question marks, I would say, personal things. I think Aston Martin is at the very back of the list for now.

“Plan A again, Mercedes, Plan B, stay at Red Bull or see if something else happens at Ferrari, but that’s more like Plan C.

“There are actually three plans, and Aston Martin isn’t playing a role at the moment.”

Many fans would love to see Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton as teammates, although if Ferrari did suddenly become an option, it’s more likely that the Dutchman would join Charles Leclerc.

Every team on the grid would consider Verstappen if he offered them his services, and the next few weeks are likely to be critical to working out his next steps.