F1 Today: Hamilton Warns McLaren on Verstappen, Horner's F1 Return Rumors, and Wolff on Mercedes' 2026 Lineup

Max Verstappen's resurgence has caught the attention of Lewis Hamilton, who issued a stark warning to McLaren about the Dutchman's championship potential. Meanwhile, speculation is swirling around Christian Horner's potential return to Formula 1 following his departure from Red Bull, and Toto Wolff continues to provide updates on Mercedes' driver lineup for 2026.

Why it matters:

• Max Verstappen's recent back-to-back wins have significantly tightened the championship battle, making every team's strategy and driver performance critical.
• Christian Horner's next move could dramatically influence the dynamics of another F1 team, given his extensive experience and track record at Red Bull.
• Mercedes' 2026 driver lineup remains a key talking point, with Toto Wolff's comments underscoring the high stakes and strategic considerations involved in securing top talent for the future.

The Details:

• Hamilton's Warning to McLaren: Following consecutive victories at the Italian and Azerbaijan Grands Prix, Max Verstappen has closed the gap to championship leader Oscar Piastri to just 69 points. Lewis Hamilton cautioned his former team, McLaren, that Red Bull and Verstappen are not to be underestimated, even going so far as to say he "expects [Red Bull] are probably going to win all races."
• Horner's F1 Return Rumors: Christian Horner's official exit from Red Bull Racing has fueled intense speculation about his next career move. While rumors initially suggested he might be looking to acquire shares in Haas, GPblog has confirmed these reports are false. However, Horner's clear intention is to remain within the Formula 1 ecosystem, with many anticipating his return in a prominent role.
• Wolff on Mercedes' 2026 Lineup: The future of Mercedes' driver lineup, particularly regarding George Russell, remains a hot topic. Although Toto Wolff has verbally confirmed Russell's place for 2026, the absence of a signed contract continues to draw attention. Wolff delivered an ominous warning, stating that contracts "have to be before tests, otherwise we have to put someone else in the car," emphasizing the urgency of securing agreements.

What's next:

As the F1 season progresses, the championship battle is poised to intensify with Verstappen's strong form. All eyes will be on Christian Horner's next career announcement to see how he re-enters the F1 landscape. Meanwhile, Mercedes' contract negotiations will undoubtedly continue to be a significant point of discussion as the team looks to solidify its future lineup well before the 2026 regulations kick in.