Max Verstappen predicts Mercedes advantage in 2026 F1 season

Max Verstappen believes Mercedes volition person an vantage erstwhile the caller Formula 1 method regulations travel into unit successful 2026. The Dutchman believes that it is the German squad that volition erstwhile again payment from the epoch of caller hybrid powerfulness units, though Red Bull is moving intensively connected its archetypal ain powerfulness portion successful collaboration with Ford.

“Next play volition not beryllium casual for our team, due to the fact that we are entering the chartless – processing our ain engine,” Verstappen told Sky Deutschland.

“It is simply a caller hazard for Red Bull, but they person taken risks earlier by entering Formula 1 and they did not bash it badly.”

The four-time champion admitted that helium does not regularisation retired the anticipation of Mercedes dominating again, akin to 2014 erstwhile the archetypal hybrid rules were introduced.

“It is hard to say. I judge that Mercedes volition beryllium ahead. They are ever there, ever strong. It is simply a apical company. So I judge that they volition beryllium up – particularly erstwhile it comes to the engine.”

Red Bull ‘doing its best’

While acknowledging the imaginable backlog, Max insists Red Bull remains afloat committed to the situation of 2026.

“We’re decidedly doing our best. I anticipation we’ll beryllium close, but of people – I don’t know,” helium said.

The Red Bull Powertrains project, developed successful concern with Ford, represents the Milton Keynes team’s biggest method trial since its inception. Although Verstappen regularly visits the improvement centre, helium himself admits that helium doesn’t cognize however the caller portion volition execute erstwhile it’s acceptable for the track.

“Yes, thing has changed – but you don’t request to cognize what”

During the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, Max besides commented connected Red Bull’s abrupt alteration successful signifier pursuing the departure of Christian Horner and the accomplishment of Laurent Mekies successful an interrogation with Viaplay.

Asked if thing circumstantial had changed astatine the team, Verstappen laughed and said:

“Yes. But nary 1 needs to cognize what.”

When the newsman apologized for the follow-up question, Verstappen added with a laugh:

“Yes, it’s fine. It doesn’t matter, due to the fact that I’m not going to accidental anything. What matters is that we thrust amended now.”

Verstappen: “I’m not disquieted astir the title”

Although helium is inactive mathematically not retired of the rubric race, Verstappen admits that a 5th consecutive title is unlikely.

“I’m not excessively disquieted astir it. I person capable things to deliberation astir and I bask it. I conscionable travel to the way and bash my best. Maybe there’s a chance, I effort to marque the astir of each opportunity, but I’m not disquieted astir it.”