Max Verstappen not convinced by the whispers about Mercedes’ 2026 car in the Austrian Grand Prix paddock

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Max Verstappen shouldn’t base his decision about his Formula 1 decision on Red Bull’s performance this year. That may sound strange, but the sport is about to undergo a major overhaul.

Of course, Verstappen’s camp will be closely watching how Red Bull operate. For instance, technical director Pierre Wache is under pressure to deliver after succeeding the great Adrian Newey.

Verstappen’s manager fumed at Red Bull over his driver’s slow pit stops at the Bahrain GP earlier this year. They will demand operational excellence, though the loss of ex-sporting director Jonathan Wheatley has been felt at times.

That engineering team will still be there next year. But it’s harder than ever to predict the pecking order, and Christian Horner’s team are facing more questions than most as they set up their own engine division.

Max Verstappen downplays importance of engine power in 2026 F1 rules

According to Motorsport.com, there have been ‘positive whispers’ about Mercedes’ 2026 engine in the F1 paddock ‘for some time’. Next year, the batteries will be far more powerful, accounting for roughly half of the car’s overall output.

At the same time, there are concerns about Red Bull’s first independent power unit. Horner himself has admitted that it will be difficult to match established manufacturers straight away, even after an intense recruitment drive and enormous investment.

Verstappen, though, is confident that the teams will be closely matched on the ICE front. And he says ‘no one’ knows who has developed the best battery.

He certainly doesn’t sound convinced that one team has an advantage heading into next year, which could dent Mercedes‘ chances of capturing him.

“I think in terms of pure engine power, it’s not that bad, and it will be quite close,” he said. “It’s just the battery, and yeah, no one knows about that. I think everyone is trying to get the most out of it, but we’ll have to wait and see in that regard.”

Mercedes employee gives Max Verstappen a reason to think twice about leaving Red Bull

Some journalists in the paddock believe Verstappen’s exit clause is about to become active. They say he must be in the top two by the end of June (i.e. after this weekend’s race) to guarantee that he stays for 2026.

With Lando Norris 21 points ahead in P2, it looks as if he’ll have the option to leave. The question is whether he’ll exercise it.

Silver Arrows simulator driver Anthony Davidson has warned Verstappen his style may not suit the Mercedes. He’s been racing for Red Bull since 2016.

George Russell still hasn’t signed a new contract, and he confirmed in Austria that talks are ongoing between Toto Wolff and Verstappen. The story won’t go away until one of the two parties definitively rejects it.