Wonder whether Max (or his camp) let it be known to Red Bull that he was opting out of his contract after this year. Losing Max and Adrian Newey, the best driver on the grid and the aero whisperer whose chassis have won 12 WCC and 14 WDC, in consecutive years convinced the Thai shareholder the team needed a reset. If they’re stuck with a tractor no one but Max can drive, RB might as well start the reboot now.
If it’s a roll of the dice to get Max to stay…. Bold strategy, Cotton.
From the POV of a driver…. 2026 is a new reg year. Would it be better to stick a year and see who nails the regs? Especially if you’re Max who would be wanted at every team? George must have been ecstatic at getting moved up to Merc in 2022: “I’m in a car that has won seven consecutive WCCs!” Only they messed up the regs. What if Max jumps to Merc only for Newey to do an Adrain Newey and design AM a title car. Seems better for Max to jump after 26, but WDIK.