Why is the most logical option for Verstappen in '26 never mentioned?

It's widely assumed that Mercedes will have built the best power units by 2026. Recent leaks suggest that Red Bull Racing, Ferrari, Honda, and Audi appear unable to find out how to turn the new technical regulations into a strong and reliable engine. However, until the F1 cars hit the track for the first tests in 2026, it's all just guessing.

Who knows, maybe a manufacturer will pull a rabbit out of the hat at the last minute. And who knows if Mercedes will indeed have a strong engine, but the chassis does not deliver the desired top position? Or for Ferrari, not for McLaren? It's simply all unclear.

Meanwhile, Verstappen is certainly thinking about what he wants to do in the future; stay with Red Bull Racing or make the move to another team next season. But how do you choose when there are so many uncertain factors? It's not ruled out that Verstappen, in moving to Aston Martin or Mercedes, joins a team that has completely missed the mark.

Verstappen has the option to terminate his contract running until the end of 2028 with Red Bull if he is not in the top three in the championship standings by next summer (three, not two as occasionally reported). Various media have written that exercising this option necessarily means he is leaving Red Bull. It's even suggested that he might take a year off, but that's a story without any truth to it.

The question is whether leaving Red Bull is really the smartest move for the Dutchman. Suddenly, there's an option not being discussed that might be the most logical: If Verstappen can exercise the option and thus terminate his contract, the most sensible next step would be to sign a one-year contract with the Austrians for 2026. Undoubtedly, the Red Bull would want to keep him for that year.

Verstappen can then spend the year evaluating which team have their act together the most, to make the switch after 2026 or - if that team will be Red Bull - sign a longer contract. Without a doubt, after 2026, teams will be lining up for Verstappen, as everyone wants the best driver on the grid. Given that the contracts of Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) and Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) expire after next season anyway, there will be openings at those teams. In short, by terminating the contract after 2025 and re-signing with Red Bull for a single year, Verstappen would create the most options for himself in the future.