Coulthard on why 2026 could decide Verstappen’s Red Bull future

Former Red Bull driver David Coulthard has tipped Max Verstappen to stay loyal to Milton Keynes — but only if the team delivers under Formula 1’s next big regulation reset in 2026.

The Dutchman has already confirmed he will see out 2026 with Red Bull, but Coulthard believes that season will act as the decisive measuring stick before the four-time champion decides whether to commit long-term or explore new horizons.

Drawing from his intimate knowledge of team and driver, Coulthard has issued a stark reminder: Verstappen's future hinges on performance, not blind faith.

The former Grand Prix winner, a veteran of 15 F1 seasons and now a brand ambassador for the energy drink giant, painted a picture of a driver torn between deep-seated loyalty and the unyielding demands of elite competition.

"There's no black and white answer. It's very personal, isn't it? But I do believe Max - I know Max - I absolutely believe in his integrity, I believe in his loyalty," Coulthard explained in Zandvoort earlier this month, quoted by Motorsport.com.

"But equally, he's a racing driver. He's not here because it's fun to just go round in circles. He has a commitment to the team. He'll give the team the opportunity to deliver him what they previously delivered him.

"The same group of guys that delivered him a winning car are now delivering him a car that has won this year. So it's not as bad as Ferrari. It's just not a McLaren. And therefore, you don't just jump on the next horse because your own didn't win."

2026: A Make-or-Break Year

With Red Bull launching its first in-house power unit in partnership with Ford, speculation has been rife about whether the engine will be competitive out of the box. Coulthard believes Verstappen will use that moment to judge Red Bull’s prospects.

"The answer to your question is it's in Max's hands. But I suspect he'll look at '26,” he said. “If there's a major engine issue with the Red Bull power units, that would be concerning.

“If that doesn't look bad, if let's say the power unit's working but they're still trying to figure out a new regulation in the car, that might give them more time.

"But if it's a struggle, of course he's going to go somewhere else. He's got the right to go somewhere else. And I don't think anyone in the team would be offended by that.

"And I know one thing, Max would go and look them in the eye and say: 'I'm making this decision because of that'. Because he's an honourable guy. He's not someone that just would leave."

Mercedes? Ferrari? Or Still Red Bull?

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has already claimed there’s a “50%” chance Verstappen could one day land in Brackley, a sentiment Coulthard doesn’t dismiss. But he also floated Ferrari as a possible future destination.

• Read also: Verstappen reveals the only reason he’d ever join Ferrari

"I can see [Verstappen going to Mercedes]. But does that mean I know it will happen? Of course not. There's a 50% chance he'll end up at Ferrari, I guess. He will go wherever the best opportunity lies to have a winning car.

"Max will not go where there's just money, because he's already earned the success of his career. He will go where he believes he can be himself."

For now, Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull looks unshakable. But as Coulthard highlighted, 2026 will be the litmus test.

Should Red Bull and Ford’s powertrain project stumble, Verstappen’s patience – and perhaps his contract – might not be enough to keep him in Milton Keynes.