Is this the year the unthinkable happens? The idea of Max Verstappen joining Mercedes was only ever fanciful last season, but with the big F1 2026 rule changes on the horizon this year could be the moment of truth.
Step 1: Max Verstappen to Mercedes
Because it means Mercedes won’t completely dominate in 2026 and win every race as they very nearly did back then.
That’s the kind of advantage we’re talking about if a team aces next year’s rules and, in the case of Mercedes, produces an engine strong enough to comfortably conceal any lingering weaknesses in the chassis department – yep, that big.
Step 2: Lando Norris to Red Bull
Now there’s a Red Bull driver if ever you saw one: a Max clone, frighteningly calm under pressure and getting better all the time as his experience grows.