Although there are still 10 Grand Prix races to go during the 2025 Formula 1 season, every team has already shifted their focus to next year.
The 2026 Formula 1 regulation changes are proving to be a challenge for every team in the paddock.
Adrian Newey has admitted Aston Martin are playing catch-up already, while the updated aerodynamic rules, new power units and a new weight limit are giving manufacturers plenty to think about.
McLaren are the gold standard on the grid this season, and whispers suggest Mercedes have the best power unit for 2026.
Ferrari made changes to this year’s car with 2026 in mind, in the hope that it will give Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc an advantage going into next year.
There are now question marks over how Red Bull are going to perform next season.
Position Constructors’ Standings PointsPts 1 559 2 260 3 236 4 194 5 70 6 52 7 51 8 45 9 35 10 20
Max Verstappen has committed his future to the team for at least one more year, although there are still question marks over Yuki Tsunoda’s seat.
New team principal Laurent Mekies and technical chief Pierre Wache know they need to deliver to keep Verstappen happy.
Unfortunately, the noises coming out of the team suggest they may already be on the back foot.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links
Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty ImagesRed Bull ‘pessimism’ is growing over 2026 power unit that could see Max Verstappen leave
A report from Grada3 has shared more details about the work going on behind the scenes at Red Bull Powertrains.
Audi and Red Bull are the two teams building their own power units for the first time in preparation for 2026, with Mekies’ team working in partnership with Ford.
It’s believed ‘pessimism only grows’ at Red Bull over the competitiveness of the engine ahead of next season.
Red Bull aren’t behind schedule or missing development goals, but personnel involved in the building of the engine have communicated to local rivals that ‘it looks bad’.
TEAMENGINERed BullRed Bull Powertrains (in partnership with Ford)FerrariFerrariMcLarenMercedesMercedesMercedesAston MartinHondaRacing BullsRed Bull Powertrains (in partnership with Ford)HaasFerrariWilliamsMercedesAlpineMercedesAudiAudiCadillacFerrariF1 engine suppliers for the 2026 season
It’s believed Verstappen would ‘explode’ if he’s overtaken by drivers he doesn’t believe are at his level, but a weak power unit could leave him helpless.
It took Honda five years to win their first race as an engine supplier, but Red Bull can’t afford to wait that long, with ‘bad omens’ continuing to circle around their hopes in the paddock.
Verstappen has get-out clauses in his contract, and it’s believed that if he’s outside the top two in the drivers’ championship at next year’s summer break, he could be free to leave.
READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend
Which team could Max Verstappen join if Red Bull ‘pessimism’ becomes reality in 2026
The end of the 2026 Formula 1 season is potentially the perfect time for Verstappen to consider his Red Bull future.
He’s been extremely loyal to the team that have helped him win four world championships, but if Red Bull are as far off the pace as many expect, then he can’t settle for midfield obscurity until the rules change again.
The report suggests that Mercedes’ interest in Verstappen is likely to continue, but all eyes are on the contracts that George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli sign this year.
Aston Martin could have a free seat, with Fernando Alonso’s deal set to expire next season.
Meanwhile, all eyes are on Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari and whether he triggers a one-year extension in his agreement to continue into 2027.