F1 insider makes bold remark on Max Verstappen's potential Williams move amid 2026 speculation

Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen has been speculated to move from his current team to another given the 2026 regulation changes. One pundit theorises that the Williams team might be one of the four-time world champion's picks.

Speaking with the media, former McLaren pit crew mechanic and current F1 pundit, Marc Priestley spoke about Verstappen's possible destinations for the 2026 season. With new regulations in place for the future season, in regards to chassis and power unit, the Dutchman might consider switching teams. This is due to the fact that the 2026 season would be Red Bull's first foray into racing with it's own designed power unit instead of the Honda power units it has been using till now. If Verstappen chooses not to risk it with the team and decides to go in another direction, Priestley suggests that Williams might be an option.

Speaking to the media, Priestley talked to Casino Uden Rofus about how Williams could be a viable option (via PlanetF1):

“We also know Verstappen has had a lot of talks with Mercedes. You could also look at Williams who, under the leadership of James Vowles, are building heavily towards 2026 with big expectations. I know for a fact they expect to compete right at the top with the best teams on the grid, maybe it’s an opportunity for Verstappen.”

Priestley's reccommendation for Max moving to Williams comes from the fact that it is being reported Williams has recieved a large cash injection from its owners Dorilton Capital. With reference to this new funding, Priestely talks about team principal James Vowles building the team towards a stronger postion on the grid, something Verstappen can take advantage of.

Speaking about how the drivers could choose their teams moving into the new regulations, Priestely continued:

“You have to choose the team you think will produce the best car, it could be a team like Williams. It’s a tough call."

While there has been no confirmation on Max Verstappen's plans for the 2026 season, the current drivers' champion will remain with Red Bull next season, alongside his new teammate, Liam Lawson.

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Retirement from F1 another possibility for Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen during the F1 Grand Prix Of Abu Dhabi - Source: Getty

Priestely also spoke about the chances that the 27-year-old Red Bull driver might step away from the sport completely in the next couple of years. Max Verstappen has won the last four drivers' championships, and with an uncertain car for the 2026 season, Priestely argues that this might be enough for him to leave the grid (via PlanetF1):

“After years of winning continuously, having a slight drought of trophies could make you lose interest in the sport"

“If Red Bull suddenly drop to a mid-table team in 2026, Verstappen will start asking himself questions. I can see him hang up his boots then."

Speaking about the same subject in November, Verstappen himself commented on the possibility of him walking away (via RacingNews365):

"For me, it depends on how the new cars will be to drive from '26 onwards. Are they enjoyable to drive? The amount of races, how much you're away from home. It's demanding."

Currently, Max Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull Racing till 2028. Verstappen finishes the 2024 season having entered 209 Grand Prix. He has achieved 112 podium finishes.