Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expects Verstappen back in the fold for 2026, but the winds of change are blowing.

Max Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull through 2028, but a performance clause has given Mercedes and opportunity to poach the world champion.

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has shared his concerns about Max Verstappen's potential move to the Mercedes F1 team, saying he would be a bigger threat than he is at Red Bull. George Russell recently admitted that his contract extension was on hold amid ongoing talks between Mercedes and Verstappen.