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.

Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull before the start of the F1 2026 season, it has been claimed, amid rumours of interest from Mercedes.

The Cadillac target has some significant motorsport pedigree. The son of open-wheel racing star Bryan Herta, Colton is already a nine-time IndyCar race winner at the age of 24 and finished second in the driver standings in 2024 behind three-time series champion Alex Palou.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, fresh from securing his fourth championship in Las Vegas, has revealed thoughts about quitting Red Bull amid the internal turmoi

Max Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen has revealed Red Bull must provide a "competitive package" to guarantee it retains the reigning

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, after clinching his fourth consecutive Formula 1 World Championship, made a bold statement, suggesting that he could have secured the title even sooner if he had been driving for McLaren or Ferrari.