Verstappen has 'no chance' of 2026 title comeback, claims Palmer; Hakkinen warns McLaren

Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer has dismissed any possibility of Max Verstappen fighting for the 2026 championship, insisting his title challenge is over after last year's dramatic near-miss. Two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen separately urged McLaren to protect its harmony rather than disrupt its lineup to pursue the four-time champion.

Why it matters:

Palmer's blunt assessment suggests Red Bull's 2026 slump is deeper than a temporary setback, raising questions about retaining its star if results don't improve. Hakkinen's intervention highlights that even top rivals may prioritize internal stability over the temptation to sign a proven champion.

The details:

• Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Palmer insisted there is "no chance" Verstappen will be in this year's title fight, writing off his hopes entirely. He admitted he might look foolish if wrong but stressed this year feels fundamentally different from 2025.
• Last season, Verstappen recovered from a 104-point deficit after Zandvoort to challenge both McLaren drivers, ultimately falling just two points short of Lando Norris in Abu Dhabi. Red Bull's late surge under Laurent Mekies briefly revived hopes of a fifth consecutive crown.
• Palmer noted Verstappen's future now hinges on whether he still believes in the team's long-term project, a telling remark about the mood inside Milton Keynes.
• On the Up to Speed podcast, Hakkinen advised McLaren against signing Verstappen if it meant sacrificing Oscar Piastri. The Finn argued the team has always prioritized overall package strength and garage harmony over individual stardom.
• Hakkinen cited his own long partnership with David Coulthard as proof stability breeds success, asking: "If the team has two great drivers, why rock the boat?"

What's next:

With Palmer declaring Verstappen's 2026 bid over, attention is shifting to his long-term future rather than on-track prospects. Red Bull must convince its star that better days lie ahead or risk losing him. Meanwhile, McLaren appears content to back its current pairing, betting that unity will deliver stronger results than a high-profile reshuffle.