Archive · 2 Jul 2025
Max Verstappen Open to Mercedes Switch for 2026 F1 Season
Imagine the best race car driver, Max Verstappen, might switch teams!
He currently drives for Red Bull, but there's talk he could go to Mercedes in 2026.
Mercedes is already talking to him.
His current contract with Red Bull goes until 2028, but there's a special rule: he can leave if he's not one of the top four drivers before a summer break.
Mercedes is deciding if they need him.
His teammate isn't sure if he'll stay with Mercedes because they are talking to Max.
The boss of Red Bull isn't too worried and says everything is just talk.
Max Verstappen is reportedly open to switching from Red Bull to Mercedes for the 2026 F1 season.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that 'conversations' are taking place.
Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028 but may leave if not in the top four of the Drivers' Championship.
George Russell stated he has not received a new Mercedes contract beyond 2025 due to the Verstappen talks.
Christian Horner dismissed reports as 'noise' and affirmed Red Bull's contract with Verstappen.
- Who
- Max Verstappen, Mercedes, Red Bull, Toto Wolff, George Russell, and Christian Horner are involved.
- What
- Rumors of Max Verstappen potentially moving from Red Bull to Mercedes in 2026.
- When
- Talks are intensifying before the British Grand Prix; speculation increased after the Austrian Grand Prix.
- Where
- Reports originate from London, United Kingdom (UK).
- Why
- Potentially, Mercedes is seeking a top driver like Verstappen, while he has a contract clause allowing an exit.
Mercedes Perspective
Red Bull's Perspective
Verstappen's Future
Mercedes Perspective
Mercedes is considering signing Verstappen, a top driver, to their team.
Red Bull's Perspective
Red Bull maintains Verstappen is under contract until 2028 and downplays the rumors as speculation.
- Driver
- Max Verstappen
- Teams Involved
- Red Bull, Mercedes
- Contract Duration (Verstappen - Red Bull)
- Until 2028
- Possible Exit Clause
- If Verstappen is not in the top four of the Drivers’ Championship.
- Mercedes Team Principal
- Toto Wolff
- Red Bull Team Principal
- Christian Horner
- Source
- News18.com