Verstappen Defines Ideal Teammate as Red Bull Preps for Ford Era in 2026
As Red Bull prepares for its 'new way' with Ford engines in 2026, Max Verstappen has outlined his ideal teammate: someone friendly, open, and crucial for car development.
Max Verstappen has defined his ideal Formula 1 teammate, emphasizing traits like being friendly, open-minded, and instrumental in car development ahead of his new partnership with Isack Hadjar in 2026. These comments come as Red Bull gears up for a monumental shift, transitioning to its own Red Bull Powertrains-Ford engines. Helmut Marko has branded this move a 'new way for Red Bull Racing,' signaling a fresh chapter for the team as it builds its own power units for the first time.
Why it matters:
Verstappen's preference for a collaborative and transparent teammate is crucial for maintaining a healthy team dynamic and maximizing car development, a key factor in Red Bull's past dominance. The transition to in-house Ford power units in 2026 is the biggest technical and strategic gamble for Red Bull in over a decade. Their ability to build a competitive and reliable engine will determine if they can remain at the front of the grid amid a major regulation change that could reshuffle the entire order.
The details:
- Verstappen's Wish List: The three-time world champion values a teammate who is friendly, open-minded, has nothing to hide, and can actively contribute to car development.
- New Teammate for 2026: Verstappen will be paired with Isack Hadjar, who is stepping up from Formula 2 to replace Sergio Perez.
- The 'New Way': Helmut Marko highlighted the significance of the Ford partnership, framing it as a fundamental shift in how Red Bull Racing operates as it becomes a full-fledged manufacturer for the first time.
The big picture:
Red Bull isn't the only team with its eyes firmly on 2026. Lewis Hamilton admitted Ferrari's early decision to shift focus to the new regulations resulted in a more extreme-than-expected winless 2025 season. At Mercedes, young driver Kimi Antonelli revealed a 'big meeting' with the team was crucial to overcoming a mid-season slump, highlighting the pressure and development focus as teams prepare for the next era of F1. The entire grid is in a state of flux, with teams making strategic sacrifices and personnel changes to position themselves for advantage when the new power unit and aerodynamic regulations take effect.