The Formula 1 world is abuzz with excitement following recent reports of advanced negotiations between Max Verstappen and Mercedes. The four-time world champion, currently racing for Red Bull Racing, is at the centre of speculation over a potential move to the German team for the 2026 season. The development comes at a time when Red Bull is struggling with underperforming performances, while Mercedes is shaping up as a serious title contender. The rumour mill is in full swing, with fans and analysts alike wondering: will Verstappen actually make the move?
Speculation about a potential move for Verstappen to Mercedes is not new. The Dutchman was linked to Toto Wolff’s team as early as 2024, particularly following internal turmoil at Red Bull and the departure of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari. However, recent reports suggest that talks have now taken a more serious turn. According to sources close to the team, Mercedes is in intensive negotiations with Verstappen’s management, with the focus on a move in 2026, when new engine regulations come into effect. These regulation changes offer teams a chance to shake up the pecking order in Formula 1, and Mercedes appear determined to get Verstappen on board to cement their position at the top.
The current situation at Red Bull plays a crucial role in these developments. The team, which dominated in 2023, has suffered a series of disappointments in 2025. During the Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen retired after a collision with Mercedes’ young talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli, resulting in a DNF and a further drop in the championship standings. Red Bull currently sits fourth in the constructors’ standings, behind McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes. These disappointing performances, combined with internal issues such as the departure of key figures such as Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley, have led to speculation about Verstappen’s future at the team. Furthermore, a release clause in his contract, which may have been activated after the disappointing results in Austria, could give him the freedom to leave.
Mercedes, on the other hand, appear to be in a strong position. The team has staged an impressive comeback in 2025, with the W16 consistently scoring points and regularly finishing on the podium. Toto Wolff has made no secret of his admiration for Verstappen, with the team boss reportedly doing everything he can to convince the Dutchman. Current Mercedes driver George Russell has indicated that negotiations with Verstappen are stalling his contract extension, but he remains confident about his own future with the team. Wolff himself is keeping his cards close to his chest, insisting that such discussions take place “behind closed doors”, which only fuels the speculation.
For Verstappen himself, the choice seems complex. On the one hand, Mercedes offers a chance to compete for the world title again, with a team that has historically excelled in technical innovation and stability. On the other hand, Red Bull made him great, and his loyalty to the team, especially to Helmut Marko, is strong. Verstappen has indicated in recent interviews that he is keeping his options open, not only for Formula 1, but also for future projects such as endurance racing and his own racing team. He emphasizes that he determines his own future, which only increases speculation about a switch.
The financial side of a potential move is also a point of contention. Verstappen’s current salary at Red Bull is estimated to be around $60 million per year, and a move to Mercedes would likely involve an even more lucrative contract. However, reports suggest that Mercedes’ parent company, Daimler, may impose restrictions on major spending, which could pose a stumbling block. Despite these challenges, the possibility of a deal remains real, especially given Mercedes’ ambitions to return to the top of Formula 1.
The Formula 1 community is watching with bated breath as this saga unfolds. A move from Verstappen to Mercedes would not only cause a seismic shift in the driver market, but also change the dynamics of the sport. As the British Grand Prix approaches, the question remains: will Verstappen commit his future to the Silver Arrows, or will he remain loyal to Red Bull? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Formula 1 continues to provide excitement and thrills, both on and off the track.
