Max Verstappen appears well on his way to a fourth successive F1 world title, but there are more than a few question marks surrounding the Dutchman's future in the sport.
Verstappen has been part of the Red Bull family since 2014 and has driven with the company across two separate teams since his debut in 2015.
Together, Verstappen and Red Bull have won 61 races and broken numerous records across the last two seasons in particular.
However, ever since last season's perennial title victory, the relationship between the two has appeared somewhat more strained.
The situation regarding allegations of inappropriate behaviour against team principal Christian Horner has led to a less harmonious atmosphere around the team this season.
On track, meanwhile, the chasing pack have definitively matched Red Bull across recent races, leading to questions as to whether the team's title success will continue in the seasons to come.
All of these issues, combined with the constantly-moving driver market, and Verstappen's previous remarks that he may not last in the sport past 2028, have sparked speculation the 26-year-old's future may lie away from Red Bull.
Eddie Jordan, for one, has a bold prediction about where Verstappen will be in two years' time.
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Eddie Jordan predicts Max Verstappen move to Mercedes for 2026
On this week's episode of the Formula for Success podcast, Eddie Jordan and David Coulthard shared their predictions for the next two seasons of Formula One.
Irishman Jordan was coy when asked whether he believed Verstappen would still be at Red Bull next season.
Yes. For '25...
Liam Lawson [will be his teammate].
My forecast is that Max will win both 2024 and 2025, and [after that] it's all up to what goes on and where the drivers go.
A major set of regulation changes will sweep across F1 for 2026, set to shake up the running order once again after the latest status quo switch in 2022.
Lewis Hamilton is set to join Ferrari in 2025, leaving a seat open at Mercedes for the years to come. With Audi entering the sport in 2026 and searching a big-name signing, there is potential for yet more major movement on the driver market.
In classic Eddie Jordan style, the former team boss addressed this situation by suggesting he has heard whispers that Max Verstappen could well be Mercedes' long-term replacement for Hamilton come 2026.
I dare say, never underestimate...Mercedes have an understanding, especially on the engine department, about battery packs and all the other things, they will have a massively strong power plant.
To be very honest with you, I see Mercedes being very strong in 2026. That's why I think people will rush to go there. The question I'd like you to ask me is who do I think is going to be in the Mercedes in 2026.
From what I'm hearing, I'm having to say Max.
It would be a blockbuster move akin to Hamilton's from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013.
Time will tell if Eddie Jordan's prediction comes to fruition.
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