Ex-Formula 1 mechanic Marc Priestley thinks Max Verstappen ought to include Williams among his options should he grant serious consideration to leaving Red Bull.
Verstappen ending 2024 with a fourth consecutive title has done little to dispel the speculation that ensued throughout last season linking him with a possible switch.
The Dutchman’s dominant opening to the past campaign was overshadowed when an investigation was made into allegations against Red Bull boss Christian Horner.
But while Horner was exonerated, the subsequent fractious environment that emanated at the then-reigning champions coincided with its decline in competitiveness.
Mercedes has gone public with the desire to acquire Verstappen’s coveted signature on various occasions, with talks even taking place last summer regarding a deal.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin has also been touted amid the team’s impending engine tie-up with Honda and the acquisition of former Red Bull design guru Adrian Newey.
However, Priestley believes Verstappen, who has a deal with Red Bull until 2028, would be wise to contemplate a move to Williams come F1’s regulation reset in 2026.
The Grove-based squad ended last term ninth in the Constructors’ Championship, but it is investing mass sums as it aims to recapture its past glories in F1’s next era.
“The drivers market is so complicated at the moment because everyone is basing their move on the regulation changes in 2026,” Priestley told Casino Uden Rofus.
“You have to choose the team you think will produce the best car, it could be a team like Williams. It’s a tough call.
“If you’re Max Verstappen, you’d look at McLaren, but they have two young drivers for years to come.
“Mercedes are not at the top at the moment but everyone knows they’re a solid team and good operators.
“We also know Verstappen has had a lot of talks with Mercedes.
“You could also look at Williams who, under the leadership of James Vowles, are building heavily towards 2026 with big expectations,” he added.
“I know for a fact they expect to compete right at the top with the best teams on the grid, maybe it’s an opportunity for Verstappen.”
Verstappen future dependent on Red Bull’s competitiveness
Williams’ extended partnership with Mercedes will be a boost to the team’s aspirations, as Vowles revealed that the German marque’s 2026 engine is developing well.
There is greater scepticism surrounding Red Bull, though, as it has committed to constructing its own powertrain in-house for the first time with American brand Ford.
In the circumstance where Red Bull is no longer competitive enough to be in title contention, Priestley wouldn’t be shocked if Verstappen decided to exit F1 altogether.
“Max Verstappen could easily retire in the next few years,” he said.
“After years of winning continuously, having a slight drought of trophies could make you lose interest in the sport.
“If Red Bull suddenly drop to a mid-table team in 2026, Verstappen will start asking himself questions. I can see him hang up his boots then.
“But, maybe he’ll see a decline at Red Bull before 2026 and join a new team ahead of the regulation changes, like Lewis Hamilton has done by joining Ferrari.
“It’s like any of us changing jobs, it’s exciting at the beginning. If Verstappen changes team and it goes well, he’ll continue on winning.
“But if he’s not winning as much as he usually does, I can 100 percent see him leaving the sport earlier than most would expect.”
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