Ted Kravitz thinks Max Verstappen has accidentally revealed another F1 team’s driver plans for 2026

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Max Verstappen predictably faced questions about his own Formula 1 future in the press conference ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. But Ted Kravitz thinks he also hinted at a rival team’s plans.

Verstappen refused to directly confirm that he’d be a Red Bull driver next year. This is keeping the speculation alive, even though he’s rarely criticised his team or flirted with potential suitors.

The Dutchman may be holding up this year’s driver market. His current deal runs until the end of 2028, but is widely believed to contain a performance-related exit clause.

This year’s silly season was always likely to be much quieter than the last. The 2024 reshuffle saw the majority of the field commit to multi-year deals.

Mercedes may want confirmation that Verstappen is staying at Red Bull before they lock in George Russell, one of the few out-of-contract drivers. A seismic exit would naturally have repercussions up and down the pit lane.

Ted Kravitz thinks Max Verstappen has hinted at Sergio Perez joining Cadillac

During the presser, Verstappen was also asked about comments from former teammate Sergio Perez on a podcast this week. Perez accused the Dutchman of holding a grudge before infamously refusing to obey team orders at the 2022 Sao Paulo GP.

Verstappen replied that he still has a ‘great relationship’ with the Mexican, who lost his seat at the end of last year. There’s talk that Perez could make an F1 comeback at Cadillac, set to join the grid in 2026.

Ted Kravitz, speaking on his Podbook, suggested that Verstappen accidentally fuelled the rumours on Thursday. Cadillac still haven’t announced either driver and don’t appear to be in a rush to do so.

“He also said, ‘I can’t wait to see Checo Perez in the paddock again, because I need to give him that helmet [for a helmet swap]. Putting a little bit of fuel on the rumours that Checo is near the top of the list for the Cadillac drive next year.”

Where Cadillac currently stand on Sergio Perez vs Valtteri Bottas

The consensus is that Cadillac want a veteran driver to fill one of their seats. That has put Perez in competition with Mercedes reserve Valtteri Bottas.

Bottas shared a video with a Cadillac road car this week, naturally leading fans to wonder if he’s reached an agreement. Both drivers have won multiple Grands Prix and started over 240 races.

Right now, Cadillac are indeed favouring Bottas over Perez. But no final decision has been made.

While Perez has been linked with Alpine, the American team were thought to be his preference. He opted to step away from racing for a year after his ignominious Red Bull departure.