Did Max Verstappen Make the Right Decision by Choosing to Stay with Red Bull?

Max Verstappen’s commitment to staying with Red Bull Racing for the upcoming seasons, including a contract running until 2028, was a pivotal moment in Formula 1. Helmet Marco, the team’s advisor, confirmed Verstappen’s dedication to the team, expressing confidence that the reigning champion has played his cards right. With the 2026 era of Formula 1 rapidly approaching, the speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future and his decision to stay put raises important questions about the strategic choices within the sport.

This article delves into the factors surrounding Verstappen’s decision and explores whether staying with Red Bull was the best move for his career, especially considering the changing dynamics within F1, the competition from Mercedes and McLaren, and the looming technical changes that could alter the balance of power in the sport.

The Rise of Max Verstappen with Red Bull

Max Verstappen’s journey in Formula 1 has been extraordinary, with his career entirely linked to Red Bull Racing. From his debut with the team in 2016, Verstappen’s meteoric rise to becoming a two-time World Champion (as of 2023) has been nothing short of remarkable. Red Bull’s success over the past years, particularly in dominating the 2021 season and continuing that momentum into 2022, owes much to Verstappen’s exceptional talent, work ethic, and determination.

Red Bull Racing, with its engineering brilliance, has provided Verstappen with the car to match his skills. The team’s consistent technical prowess, particularly in terms of their chassis and power unit, helped Verstappen secure his victories, including his iconic 2021 season where he clinched the championship after a dramatic showdown with Lewis Hamilton.

Despite this, the announcement that Verstappen would stay with Red Bull beyond his current contract did not come as a surprise. Team principal Christian Horner has always emphasized how central Verstappen is to the team, and it was evident that the partnership was mutually beneficial. Marco’s comments also highlight that Verstappen’s entire career has been with Red Bull, and his unwavering commitment was seen as crucial for both parties.

The New Era of Formula 1: 2026 Regulations

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Formula 1 is about to enter a new era, one that promises to reshape the competitive landscape. The 2026 technical regulations will bring substantial changes, including an overhaul of both the chassis and the power unit. This is a monumental shift for the sport, and many believe it will offer teams like Mercedes and Ferrari a chance to dominate once more, particularly with the introduction of new hybrid power units and a complete redesign of the aerodynamics.

Historically, Mercedes enjoyed dominance during the last engine change in 2014, leveraging their technical superiority to win seven consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ championships. The whispers surrounding Mercedes’ potential to reclaim this dominance have been growing louder as the 2026 regulations draw nearer. However, Marco’s stance suggests that these claims remain speculative. While he acknowledges that Mercedes is positioning itself as the favorite for 2026, there is no concrete evidence yet to suggest that they will have the upper hand.

For Verstappen, the unknowns of the 2026 era played a significant role in his decision to remain with Red Bull. The possibility of shifting allegiances to Mercedes, a team already expected to be strong, had surfaced in the media, particularly given the rumored tensions at Red Bull, such as the departure of key figures like Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley. However, Verstappen has made it clear that he was focused on improving Red Bull’s current performance rather than getting involved in the speculation.

Marco believes Verstappen’s decision to stay with Red Bull was the smart choice, particularly given the uncertainty of the 2026 season. No one can predict the outcome of the technical overhaul, and Verstappen, by staying with Red Bull, has positioned himself to take advantage of whatever developments the team makes in the coming years.

The McLaren Challenge: A Growing Threat

The most significant challenge to Red Bull’s dominance in recent years has come from McLaren, whose resurgence has been evident throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The Woking-based squad, with its exceptional pace and tire management, has been a thorn in Red Bull’s side, particularly with their impressive performance in medium-speed corners, a key factor highlighted by Verstappen himself. The McLaren MCL39 has given the team a significant edge over the competition, and they’ve now become the team to beat, especially in 2025.

Verstappen has openly acknowledged McLaren’s strengths, particularly their ability to manage tire wear and maintain blistering cornering speeds. This advantage has allowed McLaren to rack up wins and climb to the top of the constructors’ standings. With Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri leading the charge, McLaren has amassed multiple victories, leaving Red Bull trailing behind.

This poses a dilemma for Verstappen: Is Red Bull’s future in a strong enough position to continue dominating, or should he consider a move to a team like McLaren, which appears to have found its stride? Despite McLaren’s growing threat, Verstappen’s decision to stay with Red Bull signals his confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back from their struggles in 2025.

Red Bull’s New Engine Project: A Step Into the Unknown

One of the most significant developments at Red Bull in recent months has been the team’s venture into their own in-house engine program, in collaboration with Ford. The team will be entering a new era, transitioning from a supplier-based model (previously relying on Honda power units) to developing their own engines. This shift is a monumental step for Red Bull, and while it is a long-term investment in the team’s future, it brings inherent risks.

Verstappen, though cautious, has shown optimism about the potential success of this new power unit. While he acknowledged that the team faced challenges in 2025, he expressed confidence that Red Bull would be better equipped to tackle the new era of power units. The next few seasons will be critical in assessing whether Red Bull can maintain its place at the front of the grid, and Verstappen’s continued presence in the team will play a crucial role in that journey.

The Leadership Change at Red Bull

In addition to the technical changes, Red Bull also experienced a significant shift in leadership, with Laurent Mekies taking over as team principal after Christian Horner’s departure. Mekies, who stepped into the role in 2025, brings a fresh perspective to Red Bull. His leadership style has already impressed Verstappen, who has praised the new team principal’s commitment and approach.

The change in leadership is a critical factor in Verstappen’s decision to stay with Red Bull. Horner had been instrumental in shaping the team’s success, but Mekies’ leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges of the 2026 regulations and ensuring that Red Bull remains competitive.

Conclusion: Is Staying with Red Bull the Right Decision for Verstappen?

In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, where every decision can shape a driver’s legacy, Max Verstappen’s choice to remain with Red Bull appears to be a wise one. With his contract running through 2028, Verstappen has ensured that he will be at the center of the team’s future success. While the 2026 era presents uncertainty, staying with Red Bull gives him the chance to shape the team’s direction, especially with the introduction of new technical regulations and power units.

The competition from Mercedes and McLaren is undeniable, but Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull and the team’s commitment to repaying his trust with a competitive package in 2026 makes his decision seem like the right one. As Verstappen himself has said, the future is uncertain, but for now, he remains confident in Red Bull’s ability to fight for championships in the years to come.