Max Verstappen predicted to be out at Red Bull by end of 2026

It's the start of a new Formula 1 season, and who knows what might unfold over the course of the next 24 grands prix - providing we get 24 depending on whether the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races are cancelled.

Can McLaren and Lando Norris defend their titles? Will Max Verstappen claim a fifth driver's championship? Will Lewis Hamilton rediscover his form? Will Aston Martin finish any of the first few grands prix given its woes?

A lot could happen, and a lot is likely to happen as F1 hurtles into new regulations, and not forgetting, we have a new team on the grid in Cadillac.

To that end, the team at Sky Sports F1 have made their bold predictions for the season ahead, and the first, from lead commentator David Croft, is as bold as they come. Look away now, Max fans.

"Now this might not come true, and it might not have any basis in fact whatsoever," he started. "And it is worth remembering that in context, but here is my bold prediction for 2026...that by the time we come to the end of 2026, Max Verstappen won't be a Red Bull driver!

"Where he's going, I have no idea, but that's my bold prediction."

Of the other members of the team, Bernie Collins and Naomi Schiff suggest George Russell will be the F1 champion, whilst Jenson Button has gone so far as to suggest that Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso will win a race late in the year to become one of the oldest grand prix victors in F1 history at the age of 45.

Check out all the predictions below, and let us know in the comments section what your own bold prediction is for this year.