Three-time world champion Max Verstappen has once again stirred up the Formula 1 paddock with comments that have everyone talking. Although the Dutch driver confirmed a few months ago that he would remain with Red Bull Racing, he now warns that the team could face a difficult season in 2026, when the new technical regulations come into effect. In an interview with Sky Germany, the driver admitted that the rule changes could shake up the current balance of power on the grid, with Mercedes standing out as the main potential beneficiary.

Verstappen: “Mercedes could have an edge with the new engine”

Despite staying focused on the 2025 title fight, Verstappen already has one eye on what’s ahead. “Will there be another era of dominance like in 2014? It’s hard to say, but I think Mercedes will be ahead. They’ve always been strong and technically brilliant. When performance depends on the engine, they tend to make the difference,” explained the Dutchman, recalling the period when the German team ruled the championship with authority.

The world champion noted that the new power unit regulations will be a major challenge for every team—especially for Red Bull, which will debut its own engine in collaboration with Red Bull Powertrains. “Next year won’t be easy. It’s a risk, but we accepted it when we decided to build our own engine. I don’t think we’re doing a bad job, but there’s still a lot to fine-tune,” he admitted.

Red Bull adapts as Milton Keynes reorganizes

At Milton Keynes, the mood is cautiously optimistic. Even though Red Bull has gone through a complicated stretch both technically and competitively, Verstappen insists the team is working hard to be ready for Formula 1’s “new era.” “We’re not going to give up. We’ll do everything we can to stay close to the leaders, but it’s still too early to know where we’ll be,” he said.

The Dutchman also praised the work of engineer Laurent Mekies, whose arrival has been key to improving the car’s performance. “Yeah, something changed, but no one needs to know what. The important thing is that we’re faster on track,” Mad Max joked in an interview with Viaplay.

With six races still to go in the current season, Verstappen remains in the thick of the championship battle against McLaren, but his words about the future serve as a warning: Red Bull’s reign could be threatened by a Mercedes team that, as in 2014, might once again dominate the new technical era. 2026 is shaping up to be a year of revolutions—and uncertainty.