Red Bull might have ‘internally’ eased Max Verstappen’s biggest worry for the 2026 season

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Max Verstappen will be at the centre of attention in 2026, as he faces a critical season with Red Bull.

Next year will mark the first time since 2021 that the No.1 will not be on a Red Bull F1 car, after Lando Norris clinched the 2025 title by two points. Verstappen will use the No.3 in 2026, moving away from the No.33 that he has used throughout his career.

His number is just one of multiple changes that the Dutchman will have to get accustomed to in 2026. Red Bull are undergoing a complete reshuffle, both technically and within their personnel.

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The Milton Keynes outfit will roll out their in-house power unit, in collaboration with Ford, under the new technical regulations. Laurent Mekies will take the reins for his first full season in 2026, having replaced Christian Horner in July.

Helmut Marko has also left the team, and Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase is in talks to leave Red Bull in 2026. These could be damaging losses for the 28-year-old, especially with how close he is to them.

Next year is a crucial season for Red Bull as they must produce a winning car and engine, or risk losing Verstappen as well. The four-time champion has expressed concerns about the new regulations, but it seems that the team are making strong steps forward.

Ralf Schumacher suggests Ford have made Red Bull’s 2026 battery ‘better’ amid Max Verstappen’s concern

Reports have suggested that Mercedes will have the fastest engine in 2026, even if the Brackley outfit have tried to play down their advantage.

The 28-year-old will assess the pecking order in 2026 before deciding on his future in 2027 and beyond. Early indications have suggested that Red Bull are falling behind due to their development of the RB21 this season.

However, Red Bull are not worried about their late developments in 2025 hampering them in 2026. Ralf Schumacher seems to have vindicated the team as he revealed what he has heard from Ford behind the scenes to F1-Insider.

“And at Ford, there was apparently some discussion with Ford at the beginning, but from what I’ve heard, not only what has just been budgeted, but also internally, that it will be a very, very good collaboration, that Ford was able to contribute a lot, especially on the battery side, that it will be better,” he said.

Verstappen had doubts about the battery in 2026, saying that ‘no one’ knows where anyone is with the new engine split. Judging by Schumacher’s information, it would seem that Ford and Red Bull have eased one of his biggest worries and are making strong progress.

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How does Max Verstappen feel about Red Bull’s 2026 F1 car?

Red Bull need to ensure that their engine and car are a winning one in 2026 if they want to retain the Dutchman’s services. Mercedes were desperate to sign Verstappen in 2025 and will not give up their pursuit if he becomes available.

The Milton Keynes outfit, under the guidance of Mekies, have made significant improvements with development, evidenced by their dramatic comeback in 2025. Verstappen was 104 points off the championship lead with nine races to go and clawed it back to two points.

Red Bull will look to carry the momentum into 2026, and things are looking encouraging. Verstappen was ‘impressed’ by the engine’s early progress and where its trajectory currently lies.

Verstappen loved the sound of the engine when he heard it for the first time. Of course, no one knows where the car is in terms of pace, but the mood around the team is certainly positive.