After the dust settles from the Austrian Grand Prix, the Formula 1 grid is bracing for some dramatic mid-season shifts. Here’s a look at some of the biggest stories developing behind the scenes:
Max Shift to Mercedes?
Rumours have swirled since the start of the season that Max Verstappen may be eyeing a surprise move from Red Bull to Mercedes. With Red Bull underperforming by their usual standards, these speculations have only intensified.
Isn’t Verstappen contractually tied to Red Bull until 2028? Yes—but there’s a twist. Max has an exit clause in his contract that allows him to leave if he falls below third place in the Drivers’ Championship standings.
Currently, he sits 3rd in the WDC—but only nine points ahead of George Russell. Just one or two strong results from Russell could push Max down to P4, potentially triggering his escape clause. Could we really see the Dutchman in silver next year? The tension is building.
Over for Colapinto?
Franco Colapinto quickly became a fan favourite in 2024, showing flashes of brilliance during his debut outings with Williams. But despite the hype, he couldn’t secure a full-time seat for the 2025 season.
After Alpine’s rookie Jack Doohan failed to impress in the opening six races, the team called in Colapinto as a mid-season replacement. Fans rejoiced at the Argentine finally getting his chance to prove himself in Formula 1.
But Alpine gave him just five races to make an impression—and so far, he hasn’t scored a single point or shown standout performances. The Austrian GP may have been his final opportunity, and it’s looking increasingly likely we won’t see him on the grid again in 2025.
Carlos Sainz Loading…
Carlos Sainz remains one of the most beloved drivers on the grid, but 2025 has been a rough ride. He hasn’t made it past Q1 in recent qualifying sessions, and this weekend, his car let him down once again.
It’s a season both Sainz and his fans will want to forget. As he prepares to join Williams in 2026, all eyes are on how he handles these final races. For now, it’s about resilience—giving everything he’s got, and keeping his head high despite the setbacks.
Conclusion
The 2025 season has been a whirlwind of activity. With teams already shifting focus toward the major 2026 regulation changes, many appear to be writing off the current season. But for top-tier teams, pulling the plug too early could backfire.
And what about McLaren? Are they fully focused on 2026, or are they still fighting for wins in the present? Only time will tell. One thing is certain: the second half of the season promises drama, twists, and possibly some career-defining moments.
