In 2018, George Russell, Lando Norris and Alexander Albon finished first, second and third respectively in the Formula Two championship. The following year, they made their debuts in Formula One. Russell and Norris have since emerged as two of the finest drivers on the grid at Mercedes and McLaren and have 12 race wins and 57 podiums between them.

A well-known analyst (and former F1 driver himself) was certain, saying off the record to GPblog in Hungary: if Max Verstappen had driven for Racing Bulls this season, the Italian team would have won Grands Prix.

Max Verstappen has removed any lingering doubts by confirming he will continue with Red Bull Racing in 2026. But is staying put the smartest decision he can make?