Surprise F1 team touted as Verstappen option

F1 mechanic-turned-pundit Marc Priestley believes Williams could be in the running to secure Max Verstappen's signature, if he does decide to leave Red Bull.

The Dutchman is contracted to the Milton Keynes squad until the end of the 2028 F1 season, but team principal Christian Horner has said previously he would not stand in the 27-year-old's way if he desired an early exit from his deal.

Aston Martin and Mercedes have been suggested as potential landing spots for the four-time F1 drivers' champion amid heavy speculation he will not see out the full term.

The former has secured Honda power from 2026, which has been instrumental in Verstappen's run of titles, with Adrian Newey also joining the Silverstone-based team early next year.

Meanwhile, the latter held talks with Verstappen during what was a relatively turbulent campaign for Red Bull.

Internal politics aside, there remain concerns that with it embarking on life as an power unit manufacturer from the start of the new regulation cycle, it will struggle to produce a package worthy of Verstappen's talents, something that could lead to the 63-time grand prix winner seeking pastures new from as early as the end of next season.

According to Priestley, Williams cannot be discounted from the shortlist of suitable landing spots, along with the aforementioned Mercedes.

"The drivers market is so complicated at the moment because everyone is basing their move on the regulation changes in 2026," the 48-year-old 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 very good operators. We also know Verstappen has had a lot of talks with Mercedes."

Expanding on the perhaps surprising inclusion of Williams in Priestley's considerations, the former-McLaren mechanic highlighted the foundations being laid at the team for its plotted rise up the standings come the new rules set.

"You could also look at Williams who, under the leadership of James Vowles, are building heavily towards 2026 with big expectations," he explained.

"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."

Who would, hypothetically, make way for Verstappen remains to be seen, but he is a known commodity to Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz, with both having partnered him in the past.

In particular, the Spaniard's camp endured a fractious relationship with that of the Red Bull driver when at Toro Rosso together.

It it believed to be the key reason behind the six-time constructors' champions opting not to sign the 30-year-old when it had the chance earlier in the year.