Former world champion Nico Rosberg believes that Max Verstappen could potentially switch teams next season. If Red Bull does not make a strong start under the new regulations, Rosberg expects Verstappen to unhesitatingly choose the best available team. According to the German, the Dutchman has the luxury to go wherever he wants.
Verstappen ended the year with a convincing victory in the final race of the season, but Lando Norris scored just enough points to secure his first world title. With the drastic new regulations next year, the field could look completely different. Teams currently leading could fall back, while others could unexpectedly leap forward. Rosberg therefore expects that Verstappen will not accept a season without a title fight. “He will see how the year starts and then possibly switch to the team with the best car,” Rosberg told Sky Sports F1. “He can choose. I think he’s going to get a little impatient. He wants to keep winning and grab that fifth world championship.”
With the completely new regulations for 2026, Formula 1 is at a tipping point. No team can be sure of being at the front again next year, and that means that, according to Rosberg, Verstappen has options to carefully consider his future. Red Bull is starting the new rules with a completely own engine, developed in collaboration with Ford. A leap into the unknown that could turn out to be both brilliant and challenging. However, Rosberg remains cautious: “If I had to predict something now, I think it could go that way. But it’s still early. Let’s be patient. Red Bull could just be the dominant team again next year.”
