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Motorsport

Sport

We rate the F1 2026 title contenders - Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen F1 Red Bull

For the first time in four long years, Max Verstappen heads to the Formula 1 season opener as the hunter again, rather than the title defender. There may be several question marks lingering over Red Bull's first foray as a bona fide works team, but 2025 has shown there are none over the prowess of its star asset, who is at the height of his immense powers.

TU-TU-DU-DU.

Autosport’s 2025 fan-voted Driver of the Year. Max Verstappen tops our 2026 F1 title contender rankings. pic.twitter.com/R9o2ooLAT7
— Motorsport (@Motorsport) March 1, 2026

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