After just three races it is clear that Max Verstappen will not be taking part in the fight for the Formula 1 World Championship this year. Ex-driver Jolyon Palmer is therefore firmly convinced that the year 2026 will be the beginning of the end for the Dutchman at Red Bull Racing.
Former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer firmly expects that Max Verstappen will look for another employer in Formula 1 very soon. Palmer predicted in the “F1 Nation” podcast that his first point of contact would be Mercedes.
“This conversation will happen,” he is convinced of the exchange between Verstappen and the Silver Arrows. The reason is the sporting development at Red Bull. The team, which is used to success, is only lagging behind this year and is currently clearly only the fourth force.
Verstappen is looking for a way to Mercedes
“Max is not here to finish eighth in qualifying. And he is not here to even fight for the podium. He will look for a way to get into this Mercedes cockpit because they have the best car,” said the former driver and current TV expert.
Verstappen’s interest in a Mercedes change would put Toto Wolff in a quandary. He has two excellent drivers under contract: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. According to Palmer, this shouldn’t be a hurdle.
Palmer: Mercedes has to take advantage of Verstappen’s opportunity
If you have the chance to sign the four-time world champion, you shouldn’t pass it up, said the insider. Mercedes currently has the best arguments on its side due to its superior car. “But this advantage will become smaller,” Palmer believes in a more balanced balance of power towards the middle/end of the season. In this case, the Silver Arrows would have to pull another trump card in the Verstappen talks.
“You can’t ignore when Max Verstappen calls. And we saw last year that these conversations took place,” said Palmer, referring to the rumors about a Verstappen move to Mercedes, which were in the paddock for many months in 2025.
