Ex-F1 driver predicts Verstappen's 2027 move will reshape F1 grid

Former F1 driver and Sky Sports analyst Karun Chandhok predicts Max Verstappen will be driving the best car on the grid for the 2027 season, following a crucial period of evaluation during the 2026 regulatory overhaul. While acknowledging the uncertainty about which team will provide that machinery, Chandhok believes Verstappen will use the early part of 2026 to assess his options before making a pivotal decision by that summer.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's next contract decision is arguably the most significant driver market move since Lewis Hamilton's switch to Ferrari. With major technical regulations arriving in 2026, the competitive order is expected to shuffle, making the choice of constructor more critical than ever. Where the sport's dominant driver lands could define the next era of Formula 1.

The details:

• Chandhok's analysis suggests Verstappen's current commitment to Red Bull for 2026 is just the first step. The real strategic play will be his choice for the 2027 season and beyond.
• The timeline is key: Verstappen is expected to use the first quarter of the 2026 season to "look, watch, analyse, and think" about the performance of all teams under the new rules, before deciding by the summer of that year.
• Chandhok emphasized that "every single team on that grid will open their arms and welcome him," highlighting Verstappen's status as the undisputed top talent available.
• This speculation comes despite Verstappen having recently confirmed his stay with Red Bull for the 2026 season, putting to rest immediate rumors but leaving the long-term future wide open.

The big picture:

The 2026 regulation change represents a reset opportunity for teams, much like the 2022 ground-effect era did. Mercedes' early dominance in that cycle shows how crucial it is to nail the new rules. For Verstappen, aligning with the team that best interprets the 2026 formula could secure his competitive future for the remainder of his prime years. His decision will not only shape his own legacy but also dramatically alter the competitive balance of the sport, potentially creating a new superteam or cementing an existing one's dominance.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the early performance of the 2026 cars. Verstappen's future will likely hinge on which team—be it Red Bull, Mercedes, Aston Martin, or a resurgent Ferrari—demonstrates the strongest conceptual understanding and development trajectory under the new regulations. His decision, expected by mid-2026, will trigger a domino effect across the entire driver market.