The Formula 1-World is in TR and RURT after the news that Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, leaves Red Bull Racing for a sensational switch to Mercedes in 2026. The deal, allegedly worth € 102 million, marks a turning point in the career of the Dutchman and was made possible by an escape clause in his Red Bull contract. Former Haas team boss Günther Steiner, a respected voice in the Paddock, spoke about this shocking transfer during an interview with Talksport, where he praised both praise and warnings about Verstappen’s decision.
According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, has given the green light to buy Verstappen’s contract, an unprecedented financial move that enters the Formula 1 history books. Verstappen, who has been driving at Red Bull since 2016 and won four world titles there, activated his clause after a disappointing 2025 season, in which Red Bull only finished fourth in the constructors’ championship. The RB21 car was struggling with balance problems and understeer, something that Verstappen repeatedly complained about, especially during the Grand Prix of Great Britain, where he finished only fifth. These disappointing achievements, combined with the recent resignation of team boss Christian Horner, seem to have been the deciding factor for Verstappen’s departure.
Steiner, known for his direct analyzes, acknowledged that Verstappens transfer risks. “Max is a smart guy, but this is a gamble,” he said. “Nobody knows how the new regulations turn out in 2026. Mercedes can be strong, but also Red Bull. He leaves a team that made him big.” Steiner pointed to Verstappens unparalleled talent, which he even showed in a lesser car, such as during his pole position in Silverstone despite the problematic RB21. Nevertheless, he emphasized that Mercedes with Verstappen gets a driver in the house that can win that championships. “If you want the title, do you take his negatives? You take them in the sale,” he added, referring to the sometimes tense dynamics around “Team Verstappen”.
The switch does not come without controversy. Within Red Bull the disappointment is great, especially after the departure of key figures such as Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley. Laurent Mekies, Horners Successor, stands for a huge challenge to rebuild the team. In the meantime, it is buzzing with speculation about Verstappen’s new teammate at Mercedes. According to Sky Sports Italia, George Russell may be replaced by Rookie Kimi Antonelli, which puts the British driver for an uncertain future. Toto Wolff, Mercedes team boss, kept on the plain, but insiders report that he has been after Verstappen for months. Sportmarketeer Bob van Oosterhout emphasized that Mercedes does not only do sporty, but also commercially a master move with this transfer, in view of Verstappen’s worldwide popularity.
The Dutchman himself remained cautious in Silverstone, where he said, “I focus on, not on rumors.” Yet he hinted on his motives via social media: “I am looking for an environment where I can fight for titles.” These words, together with the clause that released him after Red Bull’s disappointing performance, paved the way for the deal. According to F1 journalist Erik van Haren, who has close ties with the Verstappenkamp, the driver will provide definitive clarity about his future for the Hungarian Grand Prix on 3 August.
Steiner, however, warned of the cultural differences between Red Bull and Mercedes. “Red Bull is a family, Mercedes a factory. Max will have to get used to,” he noticed. He also pointed to the financial side: buying Verstappen’s contract costs Mercedes a fortune, but the potential to win titles with him and to strengthen the brand justifies the investment. The Formula 1 community is eagerly looking forward to 2026, when Verstappen will ride in the silver arrows. Will he bring Mercedes back to the top, or was his departure at Red Bull a hasty decision? Only time will learn, but for now, Verstappens Transfer dominates the F1 news, with Steiner as one of the few who has the courage to highlight its complexity.
