Red Bull Racing‘s dominance appears set to face its sternest test yet, as former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya predicts the Milton Keynes outfit will struggle significantly in the upcoming season. The Colombian’s stark assessment comes as the sport officially completed its technical regulations for 2026, unveiling a radical overhaul that will reshape the competitive landscape. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen‘s expanding racing activities beyond Formula 1 continue to gain momentum, with his GT3 operation attracting top-tier talent ahead of a manufacturer switch.
Montoya delivers stark Red Bull prediction for 2025
Juan Pablo Montoya believes Red Bull Racing threw everything at securing Max Verstappen’s fourth consecutive drivers’ championship in 2024 because the team knows their prospects for the coming season look bleak. The former Williams and McLaren driver pointed to the intensity of Red Bull’s development push throughout the previous campaign as evidence of their awareness.
Speaking candidly about Red Bull’s approach, Montoya suggested the team prioritized short-term gains over sustainable development. The energy drinks manufacturer continued refining their RB20 package even as rivals shifted focus to 2025, a strategy that now appears motivated by internal concerns about their competitiveness under evolving technical regulations.
With Mercedes showing resurgence in the latter half of 2024 and McLaren establishing themselves as genuine championship contenders, Red Bull’s window of technical superiority has narrowed dramatically. The team’s decision to replace Sergio Pérez with Liam Lawson signals recognition that changes were necessary, though whether the young New Zealander can immediately help bridge the development gap remains uncertain.
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya secures rotation deal through 2032
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has negotiated a contract extension keeping the Spanish venue on the Formula 1 calendar until 2032, albeit under a rotation arrangement with Spa-Francorchamps. The Montmeló facility will alternate with the Belgian circuit, hosting races in 2028, 2030, and 2032 while Spa takes the confirmed slots of 2027, 2029, and 2031.
This rotation model represents Formula 1’s ongoing effort to balance traditional European venues with the sport’s global expansion. Barcelona has served as a critical early-season testing and racing location for decades, providing teams with familiar territory to assess development directions. The alternating schedule preserves the circuit’s Formula 1 presence while accommodating calendar pressures from new and returning venues worldwide.
The arrangement offers financial relief for host circuits struggling with the escalating costs of Formula 1 race hosting fees. Both Barcelona and Spa-Francorchamps have faced uncertainty in recent seasons, making the rotation agreement a pragmatic solution that maintains their long-term involvement in the championship.
Formula 1 reveals 2026 technical specification details
The sport has officially unveiled visual representations of how machines will appear when the comprehensive technical regulations take effect in 2026. The changes represent the most significant technical overhaul since the current ground-effect era began, with power unit architecture and chassis design both undergoing fundamental transformation.
The powertrain regulations mandate an equal 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power output, dramatically increasing the hybrid system’s contribution. This shift aims to enhance Formula 1’s sustainability credentials while maintaining performance levels. The removal of DRS in favor of active aerodynamics marks another pivotal change, allowing drivers to adjust wing configurations through designated track zones.
Chassis dimensions will also change, with narrower and lighter cars intended to improve racing quality and reduce the physical demands on circuits. Teams face immense pressure to interpret these regulations correctly, as early advantages in 2026 could establish competitive hierarchies for years to come. The technical revolution presents opportunities for teams to reset the competitive order, particularly those who struggled under the current formula.
Verstappen.com Racing expands GT3 roster with proven champions
Max Verstappen’s GT3 operation appears set to welcome Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella as part of its 2026 programme, coinciding with a switch from Aston Martin to Mercedes-AMG machinery. Both drivers bring extensive GT racing experience and proven championship-winning pedigree to the team’s expanding ambitions.
Gounon has established himself as one of GT racing’s most accomplished competitors, with multiple endurance racing victories and championship titles across various series. His technical feedback and racecraft would provide valuable assets to Verstappen.com Racing as it transitions to a new manufacturer platform.
Juncadella similarly brings a wealth of experience from his long association with Mercedes-AMG customer racing programmes. The Spanish driver’s familiarity with the Mercedes GT3 platform could prove instrumental during the team’s manufacturer transition period, accelerating their learning curve and competitive development.
The Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie organizers have indicated willingness to adjust their calendar to accommodate Verstappen’s potential participation in the 24-hour race. NLS official Mike Jäger acknowledged the scheduling challenges but expressed openness to exploring calendar modifications that would allow the four-time world champion to adequately prepare for the legendary endurance event.
Marko outlines post-Red Bull career trajectory
Helmut Marko has clarified his intentions following his departure from Red Bull Racing’s Formula 1 operation, emphasizing that retirement remains far from his mind. The Austrian revealed he continues maintaining office hours from seven in the morning, managing various ongoing projects outside his former advisory role.
Marko’s extensive network and decades of motorsport experience position him to remain influential within racing circles despite stepping back from day-to-day Formula 1 involvement. His talent identification skills and strategic acumen have shaped Red Bull’s driver development programme into the sport’s most successful pipeline, producing multiple world champions and race winners.
The 81-year-old’s decision to remain professionally active reflects both his passion for motorsport and his desire to contribute beyond traditional retirement age. While his specific projects remain largely undisclosed, his continued presence in paddock areas and racing environments seems assured given his lifelong commitment to the sport.
What this means going forward
Red Bull Racing enters 2025 facing genuine uncertainty about their competitive position for the first time since 2020. The team’s development choices during 2024 may have secured Verstappen’s fourth championship but potentially compromised their foundation for the coming season. With Liam Lawson stepping into the second seat, the team needs both drivers extracting maximum performance to hold off resurgent rivals.
The 2026 technical regulations create an opportunity for wholesale competitive reshuffling, though teams with stronger current momentum may carry development advantages into the new era. How Red Bull navigates the challenging 2025 season while preparing for the radical 2026 changes will define whether their recent dominance represents a concluded chapter or merely a temporary setback in their Formula 1 story.
