What will happen in 2026? Speculation continues over Verstappen’s move. The future of reigning Formula One World Champion Max Verstappen remains a hot topic of speculation as we approach the 2026 season. As the motorsport world watches on, rumours abound that Verstappen could make a significant move within the F1 grid, with Mercedes reportedly eyeing up the Dutchman as a potential addition to their team.
But what exactly is fueling this speculation, and how does the performance of the current F1 teams play into these potential moves?
Amidst the ongoing rumours surrounding Verstappen’s future, Mercedes have revealed significant changes that have led to a dramatic improvement in Lewis Hamilton’s performance for the 2024 season. After a difficult start with the revamped W15 car, which initially suffered from inconsistencies and unpredictability, Mercedes have found their stride, leading to noticeable improvements on track.
Mercedes’ 2024 turnaround: The key changes
One of the key changes was Mercedes’ decision to revert to an older specification floor during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, after the updated floor had caused problems, particularly in the high-speed corners at Spa-Francorchamps. This strategic decision allowed the team to stabilise the car’s performance, which had been problematic earlier in the season.
Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ Director of Trackside Engineering, confirmed plans to reintroduce the updated floor at the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Shovlin explained that the team had initially reverted to the Silverstone specification because of the similarities between Spa and Silverstone in terms of cornering speeds.
The move allowed Mercedes to address balance and bounce issues, gathering valuable data to understand the root cause of their early season struggles.
Early struggles with the W15
Mercedes’ 2024 campaign began on shaky ground, with the W15 car proving difficult to handle for both Hamilton and his teammate George Russell. The car’s unpredictability particularly affected Hamilton, who struggled to match Russell’s consistency, especially in single lap conditions. At the start of the season, Russell frequently overtook the seven-time world champion, causing concern within the Mercedes camp.
This struggle was exacerbated by the departure of Hamilton’s long-time physiotherapist and performance coach, Angela Cullen. Cullen, who had been an integral part of Hamilton’s support system since 2015, left a significant void that contributed to Hamilton’s early-season challenges.
Hamilton’s Resurgence: A new baseline
Despite the rough start, Hamilton’s fortunes have changed dramatically in recent races, with victories at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps marking a resurgence. According to Shovlin, a key factor in this turnaround has been the team’s ability to start each race weekend with a better baseline set-up. This has allowed Mercedes to fine-tune the car’s performance throughout the weekend, avoiding the pitfalls of previous races where minor changes could throw the car out of balance.
Shovlin noted that Hamilton initially found the W15 harder to set up than Russell, but recent improvements have benefited both drivers. This has been crucial in allowing Hamilton to regain his competitive edge and position himself as a strong contender for the remainder of the season.
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Teamwork and experimental set-ups
A cornerstone of Mercedes’ recent success has been the teamwork between Hamilton and Russell. Both drivers have been willing to experiment with different set-ups, understanding that finding the optimum configuration for the W15 requires a joint effort. Shovlin credits their teamwork for the progress the team has made, noting that their collaborative approach has been instrumental in unlocking the car’s potential.
This teamwork has also extended to their driving styles, with both drivers adapting to a style that suits the current tyre dynamics. By studying each other’s approaches and working closely together, Hamilton and Russell have been able to find a set-up that works well for both of them, resulting in a more consistent performance on track.
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The impact of Angela Cullen’s departure
As well as car performance, Hamilton’s early season struggles were also influenced by the departure of Angela Cullen. Cullen had been an integral part of Hamilton’s career, contributing to many of his championship wins. Her departure from F1 left Hamilton without a key figure in his support system, which may have exacerbated his difficulties with the W15. Cullen, who went on to work in IndyCar, left a legacy that Hamilton himself has acknowledged as one of the biggest influences in his life.
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Looking ahead: Verstappen’s future and Mercedes’ momentum
As the 2024 season progresses, Mercedes are looking to build on their recent momentum, with improvements to the W15 and a renewed focus on the collaboration between Hamilton and Russell. These developments not only boost Mercedes’ chances this season, but also add a new dimension to the speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future.
With Verstappen’s Red Bull contract running until 2028, speculation about a potential move to Mercedes in 2026 remains just that – speculation. However, the ongoing developments within Mercedes, their ability to refine their car set-up process and the potential appeal of joining a team that has overcome its early challenges could play a significant role in Verstappen’s decision-making process.
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A dynamic future for F1
The next few years promise to be crucial, not just for Max Verstappen, but for the entire Formula One landscape. Whether Verstappen stays with Red Bull or seeks new challenges elsewhere, the decisions made by teams like Mercedes as they refine their cars and strategies will undoubtedly influence the dynamics of the sport. As the rumours continue to swirl, one thing remains clear: the world of F1 is on the cusp of significant change, and the actions of drivers and teams over the coming seasons will shape the future of motorsport.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
