Source: Imagn Images/Eric Bolt
[Saba Sports News] With major technical rule changes set to take effect in 2026, Red Bull’s top driver Max Verstappen may face the most challenging dilemma of his career. Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya warned that this technological revolution could recreate the difficulties Lewis Hamilton faced during the last rule change, potentially causing Verstappen to lose his dominant position. Throughout F1 history, rule changes have frequently reshaped the competitive landscape. In 2014, the introduction of V6 turbo hybrid engines ushered in Mercedes’ era of dominance, with Hamilton winning multiple championships thanks to the powerful car. It wasn’t until 2021 that Red Bull caught up fully, aided by Adrian Newey-designed cars and Honda power, which helped Verstappen win the title in Abu Dhabi. Since the return of ground effect components in 2022, Verstappen has been nearly unstoppable, securing 15 and 19 wins in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, respectively. However, F1 will undergo another major transformation in 2026, with cars becoming lighter, smaller, and more agile, and the engine rules completely reformed. More importantly, this will be the first time Red Bull faces the new regulations without the legendary designer Newey. Montoya stated outright that whether Red Bull can continue dominating F1 after Newey leaves is a question worth a fortune. He emphasized that this is not a doubt about Verstappen’s ability, but rather about the team’s capacity to keep up with the times. Previously, Hamilton won world championships because he had the right car at the right time. Now the question is, can Red Bull still build a championship-winning car?