Rachel Brookes Predicts 2027 Grid Shake-Up: Verstappen to Mercedes, Piastri to Red Bull

Former Sky Sports F1 presenter Rachel Brookes has predicted a seismic 2027 grid reshuffle, tipping Max Verstappen to leave Red Bull for Mercedes in search of a winning car. Speaking on the Essential F1 podcast during the 2026 summer break, Brookes argued that the four-time champion is ready to move on after dragging underperforming machinery to unlikely results, with Oscar Piastri pegged to replace him at Milton Keynes.

Why it matters:

If even half of these moves materialize, Formula 1's competitive order would shift dramatically. Verstappen's departure from Red Bull would mark the end of a defining era, while a Mercedes lineup pairing him with Kimi Antonelli would create a formidable dynamic. The predicted changes would also send ripples through the midfield, forcing several teams to redraw their long-term plans.

The details:

• Mercedes: Verstappen joins Antonelli, with Brookes suggesting Toto Wolff still regrets missing out on the four-time champion years ago.
• Red Bull: Piastri links up with Isack Hadjar, giving the team a fresh identity as it moves beyond the Verstappen era.
• McLaren: An all-British lineup of Lando Norris and George Russell, should Russell depart Mercedes.
• Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton continue their partnership.
• Alpine & Audi: Fernando Alonso returns to Alpine, while Carlos Sainz joins Audi's long-term project.
• Williams: Franco Colapinto secures a seat, with Brookes also tipping Leonardo Fornaroli to reach the grid.

What's next:

The summer break has supercharged driver market speculation, though Verstappen continues to refuse comment on his contract situation. He is understood to hold an exit clause tied to his championship position, adding weight to the rumors. As the 2026 season resumes, teams are expected to accelerate their 2027 plans, and an unusually active market could soon take shape.