Formula 1 has always been a scenario of intense emotions, epic rivalries and rumors that light the imagination of fans. In recent days, a new intrigue chapter has captured the attention of Paddock: Could Max Verstappen, the worldwide tetrampone and Red Bull star, being considering an unexpected jump to Mercedes? Speculations have reached a high point after an interview by Christian Horner, head of Red Bull, who has left fans convinced that the future of the Dutch pilot could be in doubt.
It all started when Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes, confirmed that his team has held private conversations with Verstappen. This revelation, made just before the Austria Grand Prix, unleashed a storm of speculation. Wolff, known for his strategic cunning, did not hide his interest in the 27 -year -old pilot, especially after Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari by 2025. Although Wolff pointed out that the probability that Verstappen joins Mercedes by 2026 is low, his words showed that the doors are not closed. This comment, combined with the irregular performance of Red Bull in the current season, has fed the theories of a possible team change.
For his part, Christian Horner tried to calm the waters during an interview with Sky Sports. With a serene but firm tone, he assured that Verstappen is committed to Red Bull until 2028, as stipulated in his contract. However, his words failed to dissipate doubts. Horner described speculation as “noise” and said that Verstappen is “annoying” for rumors, but fans do not seem to be convinced. In social networks, especially on platforms such as X, fans’ comments reflect a growing certainty that the Dutchman could be looking for new horizons. One of them wrote: “After that Horner interview, it is evident that Max will go to Mercedes.” Is this an omen or just an impulsive reaction?
The context does not help Red Bull. The 2025 season has been complicated for the team, which has lost ground in front of McLaren, leader of the Construction Championship. Verstappen, currently third in the pilot championship, at 61 Oscar Piastri points, has repeatedly expressed that he does not feel competitive to fight for the title this year. An accident in the first round of the Austria Grand Prix, caused by the young Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes, left Verstappen out of the race, increasing frustration. In addition, the exit of key figures such as Adrian Newey, legendary designer, and Jonathan Wheatley, sports director, has generated doubts about the stability of Red Bull.
Mercedes, on the other hand, seems to be in a strategic position. Although it ended fourth in the Construction Championship in 2024, the team is working intensely for the regulatory changes of 2026, which could give it a competitive advantage. The possibility of having Verstappen, a pilot who has dominated Formula 1 in recent years, is a dream for Wolff. However, there are obstacles. George Russell, whose contract with Mercedes expires at the end of 2025, expects a renewal, but the negotiations are in pause, possibly due to conversations with Verstappen. This has generated tensions, and Horner did not miss the opportunity to point out that Russell must be “frustrated” due to the lack of clarity about his future.
The drama does not end there. It is rumored that the Verstappen contract includes performance clauses that would allow him to leave Red Bull if he is not among the first three of the championship at a certain point of the season. With the pressure increasing and the Red Bull in Declive performance, these clauses could be the key to an unexpected change. In addition, Aston Martin has also been mentioned as a possible destination, with the arrival of Newey and the financial support of the brand.
Verstappen’s future is still an enigma. Will Red Bull remain loyal, the team that led him to glory? Or will it take an unexpected turn towards Mercedes, looking for a new challenge? While rumors continue to grow, one thing is safe: in Formula 1, nothing is written until cars cross the finish line. Fans, expectant, expect the next chapter of this fascinating saga.
