Button wades in on Verstappen's very difficult predicament ahead of 2026

20:30, 02 Jul

Updated: 07:44, 03 Jul

byLuke-John Buckle

The 2009 Formula 1 world champion, Jenson Button, has given his take on what Max Verstappen should do amid Red Bull's floundering form.

Verstappen has clinched the last four world championships but is drifting out of title contention after a retirement last time out in Austria.

The Dutchman is now 61 points behind the championship leader, Oscar Piastri, after the opening 11 rounds of the world championship.

There have been rumours of a third-place finish in the constructors' championship being enough to keep Verstappen at Red Bull.

The Austrian team are fourth in the teams' standings and have only taken two wins through Verstappen in Japan and at Imola.

Button weighs up the arguments for Red Bull and Mercedes

It has been reported by Sky Italia that Mercedes have been in talks with the reigning world champion.

The German team has a superb pair of drivers in George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, but neither of them is signed up for 2026.

Button said via Sky Sports on X: "The good thing about the Max has in his favor is he's probably the best racing driver that's ever raced in a Formula 1 car. My view. So everyone wants him. So it's a nice position to be in, but it's also tricky to really pick and choose, as you said, who's going to be competitive next year.

"I think that Red Bull is a team that's given him so much over the years and this car really suits his driving style. But will they be good enough next year? You know, everyone's talking about the power units. The power unit of the Mercedes is very strong compared to everything else. So he wants to be in a Mercedes."

Verstappen will have to make the correct decision as 2026 sees Formula 1 welcome in the new engine and chassis regulations.