Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
As Max Verstappen to Mercedes speculation continues to bubble away, the reveal from technical director James Allison that there is a “very similar” feeling to 2014 about their 2026 engine, may prove significant.
The winds of change will sweep through Formula 1 again come 2026, at which point new chassis and power unit regulations will be introduced, bringing with it the potential for change in the pecking order. For Mercedes, it represents opportunity.
Mercedes power unit confidence enough to snare Max Verstappen?
Additional reporting by Thomas Maher
Since the start of the ground effect F1 era in 2022, Red Bull and Verstappen have dominated the victory scene, leaving Mercedes with only one win courtesy of George Russell at the Brazilian Grand Prix that same year. However, there is a chance for the eight-time Constructors’ champions to regain their position at the top of F1 in 2026.
In 2014, when the engine regulations were last altered, Mercedes emerged as the clear frontrunner with the best power unit (PU), leading them to secure eight consecutive Constructors’ titles. Allison has now disclosed that they have a strong sense of déjà vu, as they believe they are experiencing similar sentiments with the current PU challenge.
In 2026, Red Bull is set to enter the realm of power unit manufacturing, partnering with Ford. However, with the possibility of a Mercedes-powered version, could Verstappen be enticed to shift his loyalty?
Toto Wolff, the team principal, has been vocal about his desire to have Verstappen join Mercedes, especially with Lewis Hamilton set to leave for Ferrari after winning seven World Championships.
In a progress update on the Mercedes F1 2026 PU, Allison told Sky Sports F1: “I wasn’t in the team in the run-up to 2014 when the new generation of power units were being concocted and the enormous push to make them a reality was taking place.
However, those of us who were part of the team can attest that the sensation is quite alike.
“There is currently a tremendous effort underway at HPP [Mercedes High Performance Powertrains] to ensure the triumph of this endeavor, as it will dictate the trajectory for anyone fortunate enough to have it integrated into their vehicle for several future seasons.”
“We are fortunate to benefit from the positive investments being made on our behalf.”
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Verstappen, who is contracted with Red Bull until 2028, has expressed his contentment with the team but refrained from making a definitive commitment. This has sparked speculation that Mercedes might entice him to join their ranks in 2026.
Mercedes is willing to be patient in finalizing their 2025 line-up, even if it means they might miss out on securing a driver like Carlos Sainz. Sainz, the winner of the 2024 Australian Grand Prix, will be replaced by Hamilton at Ferrari.
According to various media sources, including Thomas Maher from PlanetF1.com, it appears that Sainz is getting closer to joining Sauber and potentially becoming part of Audi. When asked about the impact this would have on Mercedes’ plans, Wolff acknowledged Sainz’s presence in Formula 1 and highlighted his accomplishments as a race winner for Ferrari in recent years, as well as his extensive experience in the sport.
In my opinion, it is important for us to be ready to make compromises in certain matters and be patient as we observe how the situation unfolds throughout the summer and into autumn.
“We have an excellent driver, George, who is with us, which is fantastic. Now, let’s consider who will be his teammate. However, there is no rush to make this decision at the moment.”
Kimi Antonelli, a talented young driver from the Mercedes junior team, is currently competing in his first Formula 2 season. He is highly regarded as a strong candidate to fill the vacant seat at Mercedes, and even Lewis Hamilton himself has expressed that he would choose Kimi as his replacement.
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