All the big drivers are now preparing for 2026. For Max, it's more of a case of "mercedes" being better suited to the engine rules that will change in 2026 - because it's a car company. So, with the rumours about the redbull engine being negative, max is already looking to move to the team with the most potential. Obviously the most exciting part of this season will be wondering who will race where next year and following the developments. First alonso and then vettel's name was mentioned for the seat to be vacated at the end of the season in mercedes. Then, after the horner - jos verstappen controversy (I don't know how true and I don't know the details), rumours that max will move to mercedes and alonso to red bull. As crazy as it seems, I feel like there might be some truth in that.
Is that the reason, or are we just seeing him leveraging his position? Mercedes may look like they will have a good engine, but with that logic Ferrari should have a great engine as well, they make their own engines and a car company, but I doubt that they would. Look at previous time, Mercedes did well, but Ferrari didn't do as well as Mercedes did. Does that mean it's just about the team, or does that mean engine?I feel like if Red Bull keeps being this good, then even with a better engine Mercedes may fail. I still think that Max may end up leaving, not because of anything engine related, but more like team related in the end. If he doesn't feel happy with changes, he could just go somewhere else and get wins there, he is that good.
It would be a huge challenge for Verstappen if this really happens. Because you know there is a huge gap between Mercedes and Red Bull now. 
