Table of Contents
- Max Verstappen Mercedes move is the latest talk of the motorsports industry following subtle hints that the Dutch could switch to German side
- These rumours grew louder with the sacking of former Red Bull principal Christian Horner
- The Englishman was sacked by the Red Bull Racing last week on Tuesday after serving the team for 20 years
Max Verstappen Mercedes move is the latest talk of the motorsports industry following subtle hints that the Dutch could switch to German side.
These rumours grew louder with the sacking of former Red Bull principal Christian Horner. The Englishman was sacked by Red Bull Racing last Tuesday after serving the team for 20 years.
The general feeling around was that Horner was the glue that held Verstappen at Milton Keynes. With his exit, Verstappen’s future at Red Bull appears bleak, and Mercedes is popping up as a perfect host for him next season.
How True is Max Verstappen Mercedes Move?
As it is, Max Verstappen Mercedes move remains a rumour that the four-time F1 World Champion has remained tight-lipped about.
Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff has also remained non-committal on the rumoured move of the Dutch driver to Mercedes-AMG Petronas headquartered in Brackley, England.
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. The 2025 season has been challenging for him, having won 2 out of 12 races so far. Photo/BBC
However, it’s a fact that Mercedes was in talks with Verstappen in 2024 about his potential move to the team.
He appeared to be the best replacement following the exit of Lewis Hamilton, who joined Ferrari in 2025.
It wasn’t an easy poach for Wolff as Horner wouldn’t let Verstappen leave Red Bull Racing. He cited that the Dutch has a long-standing contract with the team that ends in 2028.
Therefore, Max Verstappen Mercedes jump this season hit a brick wall as Horner held onto the 28-year-old.
The rumours of his planned exit are now swirling once again after Horner’s unceremonious sacking, coupled with the fact that his performance this season is far from impressive.
Verstappen has only won two Grand Prix races so far out of the 12 total races this season.
He has only won the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and the Japanese Grand Prix. He ranks third in the championship standings at mid-season.
Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have outpaced him in most races this season.
Is Mercedes Ready to Sign Verstappen?
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff with Red Bull driver Max Verstappen at a past event. Mercedes is eyeing Verstappen for the 2026 season. He already has a longstanding contract with Red Bull running up to 2028. Photo/Sportsbase
Wolff is ready to sign with Verstappen at the end of the season, pending agreement on the deal. Mercedes’ lead driver George Russell’s contract ends in 2025.
While there are indications that the team will renew it, a Max Verstappen Mercedes move is welcome. Both Wolff and Verstappen have remained mum about these talks even as insiders reveal that “they are ongoing.”
His entry to the team would potentially complicate Russell’s contract extension.
What Does it Take to Sign Verstappen to Mercedes?
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen is rumoured to be in talks with Mercedes for a potential move to the club. Photo/GP Fans
Verstappen revealed in a recent interview with De Telegraaf that Mercedes, or any other F1 team seeking to sign him must share in his dream beyond the Formula 1 tracks.
Red Bull offers a lot more, a unique aspect that many F1 teams cannot match and his contract spells it all out. Nevertheless, he could still leave the team before 2028 through a performance-based exit clause.
It allows him to leave Red Bull if he finishes the season in fourth position, which he is likely to. Verstappen has 165 points in twelve races so far this season and four pole positions.
