Alpine steps into the spotlight amid speculation surrounding Verstappen.

      "You can observe the impact he has made."

      Another team might be on Max Verstappen’s list for 2026, according to former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher. The four-time world champion's demeanor noticeably declined in line with Red Bull’s performance in Bahrain, with many insiders believing a performance-related exit clause in his contract could be activated later this year. "I believe Red Bull would face serious issues if Max Verstappen were to leave the team," former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa told Viaplay. "If he were driving for McLaren, that team could secure victory in every race of the championship." Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko left Bahrain expressing concern that the team could lose Verstappen, 26, to a competitor next year. "Currently, we are the fourth team," he stated. "We need to restore our performance in the car as soon as possible and regain our standards. If the car isn’t the fastest and the pit stops aren’t functioning well, that's unacceptable." Throughout 2024, Verstappen has been associated with a potential switch to Mercedes at the start of the significant rule changes in 2026. Ralf Schumacher believes the Dutch driver is worried not only about the declining performance this year but also regarding Red Bull’s new powertrains project. "I’m fairly confident that if the next upgrades don’t take effect by Imola, and - while I am just mentioning rumors - if the new engine isn’t performing well, Max will certainly leave the team," he told Sky Deutschland. Regarding competing teams, Schumacher remarked: "You can notice the difference he brings. As a team principal, you definitely must strive to acquire this driver." An intriguing option for Verstappen, 27, is Aston Martin, even though the team is currently sluggish while Adrian Newey focuses on the 2026 car. "We’re halfway through a journey we’ve started together," Fernando Alonso stated this week in Saudi Arabia. "I believe Aston Martin will win a world championship." However, Schumacher asserts that Verstappen can essentially pick any team he prefers for 2026. "There will be space for Verstappen everywhere," said the six-time grand prix winner. "I think Mercedes will want to accommodate him, and McLaren would also consider it. "Zak Brown, like everyone else, is keen on Max Verstappen," the German added. Schumacher also mentions another potential option - Alpine. "It’s a team we keep overlooking, but they could definitely play a part," he said. "Flavio Briatore is bringing in Mercedes engines for his team next season, and just look how impressive Pierre Gasly was in Bahrain. "The car can’t be that poor," Schumacher continued. "With an additional 30 horsepower from the Mercedes engine, Alpine could suddenly become a strong contender for Verstappen." Last year, Carlos Sainz, who left Ferrari, weighed two midfield options for 2025 - Williams and Alpine. The Spaniard may now be regretting his decision. "It’s clear to me that the Alpine performs impressively in the corners," he noted. "I’m not sure if you have access to the GPS data, but it indicates that they were as quick around turns 6 and 11 in Bahrain as the McLaren. "Pierre had an exceptional qualifying lap, yet they are lamenting the lack of three tenths due to the engine," Sainz added. "If they had a Mercedes or Ferrari engine in that car, they would have qualified on the front row."