Reports from Sky in Italy indicate that Max Verstappen is open to leaving Red Bull for Mercedes ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. These talks are reportedly intensifying leading up to this weekend`s British Grand Prix.
Speculation regarding Verstappen`s future gained momentum at the recent Austrian Grand Prix. Mercedes driver George Russell mentioned to Sky Sports F1 that his contract status beyond 2025 was uncertain because the team was engaged in `ongoing conversations` with Verstappen.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that `conversations behind closed doors` were indeed happening. Following this, Sky in Italy reported that these discussions have become more intense, with Verstappen reportedly prepared to exit his current Red Bull contract, which is set to run until 2028.
However, the report also suggests that the Mercedes board is uncertain whether signing Verstappen is essential. This is because, with the introduction of new regulations in 2026, they might develop a dominant car, potentially removing the need for the driver often regarded as the grid`s best.
Sky Sports News understands that Verstappen has not signaled any desire for an early departure from Red Bull, nor has Mercedes made a formal offer for the current F1 world champion.
Nonetheless, Verstappen`s contract reportedly contains a clause allowing him to depart Red Bull after this season if he is not within the top four positions in the Drivers` Championship standings by the start of the F1 summer break, which begins after the Hungarian Grand Prix on August 3rd.
Verstappen currently holds third place in the championship standings. He is nine points ahead of George Russell and 36 points clear of Charles Leclerc from Ferrari, with three races remaining before the summer break. A total of 83 points are available in these upcoming events, including a Sprint weekend in Belgium.
Sky Sports News also understands that an exit from Verstappen`s current Red Bull contract would involve a significant financial cost, possibly exceeding £100 million.
Neither Russell nor his young Italian teammate, Kimi Antonelli, currently have confirmed contracts with Mercedes for next year. However, it is widely believed that Russell would be the driver replaced if Verstappen were to join the team.
Sky in Italy suggests that if Mercedes were to part ways with Russell, Red Bull and Aston Martin would be the most probable destinations for the 27-year-old driver.
An insider from F1 has reportedly challenged the accuracy of the representation of how Mercedes manages driver contracts in the report.
What have Wolff and Horner said?
Following Sunday`s Austrian Grand Prix, where Verstappen retired after a first-lap collision with Antonelli, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff stated that a decision regarding the team`s driver lineup for the following year would be made in August.
Commenting on the decision timeline, Wolff said, “You need to show respect to everyone involved in the process – the team, the drivers, everyone.”
He added, “I don`t want to be cruel by keeping a driver waiting or delaying decisions that should be made.”
Wolff continued, “I feel we are in a strong position. It`s June now, and there are many discussions happening.”
He concluded, “I have been open and transparent about this. At some point, in the coming months, before the summer break, everything will be finalised.”
Verstappen signed a long-term contract with Red Bull in 2022, committing until 2028. However, he has repeatedly stated that he does not intend to continue racing in F1 into his late 30s, expressing interest in other motorsport disciplines and events like the Le Mans 24 Hours.
The 27-year-old secured his fourth consecutive drivers` title in 2024. Despite this success, there has been ongoing speculation about his future at Red Bull, fueled by various off-track controversies within the team, such as a dispute between his father, Jos Verstappen, and team principal Christian Horner.
The speculation resurfaced earlier this year, seemingly linked to Red Bull`s relative performance dip compared to McLaren, which has hampered Verstappen`s ability to contend for a potentially record-tying fifth consecutive championship.
When questioned in Austria about the remarks from Russell and Wolff, Horner dismissed the speculation surrounding Verstappen, calling it merely `noise`.
He told Sky Sports F1 in Austria, “I think Max finds it quite irritating. We have a very clear contract with Max that runs until 2028.”
Horner added, “Therefore, anything being discussed is purely speculative, and we generally don`t give it much thought.”
When asked if Mercedes might be trying to disrupt Red Bull at their home race, Horner commented, “I can understand if George is frustrated about not having a contract yet, but that`s an issue between him and his team.”
He continued, “Regarding Max`s situation, we are very clear on where things stand, and Max is too. All the talk is just noise, and naturally, the specifics of any contract remain confidential between the involved parties.”
What do Brundle and Chandhok think?
Sky Sports F1`s Martin Brundle:
“I believe George Russell is feeling uneasy and making inquiries. Where there`s smoke, there`s fire.”
Brundle added, “2026 represents the most significant changes to F1 car chassis and power units. Mercedes is expected to be highly competitive then.”
He questioned, “Can Max realistically break his contract? Something unusual is happening.”
Sky Sports F1`s Karun Chandhok:
“We are unaware of the specific conditions that would allow him to withdraw from his Red Bull contract. However, if you were Max Verstappen, you would assess the performance of the leading teams next year and then decide where you wish to compete in the future.”
