Mercedes F1 next big team? “Ford won’t deliver”

According to Robert Doornbos, Max Verstappen is currently in a good position in the Red Bull Championship, but he is not sure that this will also be the case in 2026 – the beginning of a new era in F1. The Dutchman is also not a fan of Audi’s choice and says that Mercedes will be the next big team.

As there was much furore in March over the allegations against team boss Christian Horner and the future of many other leaders has also been called into question, Verstappen’s future with the biggest F1 team of this era has also been called into question. Indeed Aston Martin, which will work with Honda from 2026, and Mercedes are often mentioned. Aston Martin won’t quite admit it, but Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has been busy adding fuel to the fire in recent weeks. Verstappen is still under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, but is said to have a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave easily.

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Doornbos on Verstappen’s future

For Ziggo Sport Race Cafe Doornbos discusses Verstappen’s future. The Dutchman believes that staying with Red Bull is a great option, but Red Bull’s success will not last forever and there is no guarantee. According to him, Ford also does not seem to be the best option. “Ford won’t be able to do that. As it seems now, they don’t have enough power. I think it’s crazy (Red Bull’s success). This is the only team I know well. But I also know how Formula 1 works. . Never change a winning team, yes, but this winning team won’t last forever.

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Mercedes option?

New regulations are planned for 2026, the start of a new era in which new engines in particular will have an impact on cars. According to Doornbos, if Verstappen is looking for another team for the new era, Mercedes is the best choice. “If you as a driver, as a smart driver, with all the titles and your good management, you can time the next wave will be big. That will be Mercedes in my opinion. As a manufacturer, they have more advantages than an individual. The team has or a budget limit, but Daimler can pump millions into those models and engines as they want: it will be good for Ford.

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