The Formula 1 world is upside down after the explosive news that Max Verstappen has officially signed a contract with Mercedes. Until recently, it seemed to be only a rumor, is now rock -hard reality: the triple world champion leaves Red Bull and joins the German top team.
The news hit like a bomb within the paddock. According to sources close to the team, the deal was completed this week in a secret meeting between Verstappen, Toto Wolff (Mercedes team boss) and some top lawyers. The agreement would cover several years, with a salary that Verstappen makes the best -paid driver in history.
Laurent Mekies, sporting director of Red Bull, reacted furiously: “This is betrayal in his purest form. Max has grown up with us, and now he drops us the moment we need him the most. We will not just forget this.”
The break comes after months of internal tensions between Verstappen and the Red Bull management. Rumors about disagreement with Helmut Marko, frustrations about strategy and a lack of trust in the future direction of the team have all contributed to the display of the relationship.
Mercedes, the arch -rival of Red Bull for years, makes an unprecedented blow with this move. Toto Wolff proudly stated: “We are honored to welcome Max in our family. His talent is unparalleled, and together we are going to build a new dynasty.”
The departure from Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari in 2025 left a void at Mercedes, and Wolff made no secret of his wish to bring in Verstappen as a successor. What nobody expected is that Verstappen would actually make the switch himself – and that during an ongoing contract with Red Bull.
The reactions on social media are unprecedented. Many praise Verstappen for his courage, while others accuse him of greed or loyalty breach of loyalty. In the Netherlands the news is a trending topic, with thousands of fans who speculate about the true reason for his departure.
Red Bull now faces a huge challenge. Without Verstappen, the team not only loses its largest star, but also an essential part of their success formula. Names such as Daniel Ricciardo, Liam Lawson and even Sebastian Vettel are circulating as possible substitutes, but nobody seems to be able to fill Verstappens shoes in the short term.
The switch from Max Verstappen to Mercedes marks one of the largest and most controversial transfers in the history of Formula 1. It heralds the end of an era – and the start of a completely new power struggle at the top of sport.
