Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has offered a candid update about his Formula 1 future while testing in Bahrain, as he also shared his predictions for the 2026 season. For the first time in four years, Verstappen enters a new campaign without holding the reigning champion status, after narrowly missing out on the 2025 title to Lando Norris by just two points.
The Dutch driver has been on track in Bahrain with Red Bull Racing, joined by new teammate Isack Hadjar, who replaces Yuki Tsunoda for 2026. Pre-season testing comes amid sweeping regulation changes, including a major engine overhaul that now splits power evenly between internal combustion and electrical energy. The traditional DRS system has also been scrapped in favor of a new active aerodynamics setup.
Under the revised rules, cars now switch between different modes depending on track position. Z-Mode is designed for corners, keeping wings configured for maximum grip, while X-Mode opens wing elements on straights to boost efficiency and top speed. The changes mark one of the biggest technical shifts the sport has seen in years.
Verstappen, however, has not hidden his dissatisfaction. He previously described the new machinery as feeling unlike traditional F1 cars and reiterated during a recent podcast appearance that the RB22 is his least favorite Red Bull he has driven. He admitted the updated regulations have forced him to adapt his driving style and suggested they may shorten his long-term commitment to the sport, though he stressed he is already content with his achievements.
Despite hinting that the end of his career may be closer than the beginning, Verstappen remains focused on fighting for another title. When asked which teams could challenge most strongly in 2026, he pointed toward outfits powered by Mercedes engines, highlighting Mercedes, McLaren, Williams and Alpine as potential front-runners under the new rules.
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