Qatar this weekend, and Abu Dhabi next – just 53 points lie between McLaren (608), Ferrari (584) and holders Red Bull (555), and there are 88 points up for grabs. Mercedes were one-two in Las Vegas but whatever happens next they will finish a lonely fourth.

With Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko having openly admitted the two junior RB drivers- Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda are auditioning for Perez's seat, the pressure is on for the 34-year-old to start delivering or face an early contract termination.

Max Verstappen “won’t be” at Red Bull at the start of the F1 2026 season amid persistent rumours of a move to Mercedes. That is the opinion of former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos, who believes it will “be difficult” for the team to convince the newly crowned four-time World Champion to stay beyond next season.