Coulthard: Verstappen‑Red Bull Partnership Likely to Endure Despite 2026 Turbulence

Ex‑F1 champion David Coulthard says Verstappen’s partnership with Red Bull can survive the turbulence of the 2026 rule changes. Though the four‑time champion hinted at a possible exit after the season, Coulthard believes the bond between the Dutch driver, his family, and the Austrian team runs deeper than a contract.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen is the sport’s marquee driver; his future will shape the competitive landscape, while Red Bull’s struggles under the 2026 package could decide if they stay at the front and any driver move would ripple through the grid.

The details:

• Verstappen has criticised the 2026 aero and power‑unit changes, calling the package “less enjoyable”, and has scored only 12 points in three races.
• Rumours of a move to Mercedes or McLaren have risen after race engineer Gian Piero Lambiase announced a switch to McLaren.
• Verstappen’s contract runs to 2028 and includes a performance‑related exit clause; Red Bull, with 14 titles, sees 2026 as a transition and will fight to keep its star driver.

What's next:

If Red Bull can deliver a car by mid‑season, Verstappen’s incentive to stay strengthens. If the performance gap persists, the exit clause could open talks with Mercedes or McLaren. Coulthard expects the Verstappen‑Red Bull link to remain a defining F1 storyline.