The driver market was one of the hottest topics during the opening phase of the Formula 1 season before attention shifted toward Kimi Antonelli’s dominance and Lewis Hamilton’s remarkable resurgence. At the centre of countless rumours stood Max Verstappen, with many believing that any decision made by the Dutchman could trigger a major chain reaction throughout the paddock.
The speculation surrounding Max Verstappen’s future is well known. Links to McLaren in Woking emerged, while Ferrari was also mentioned in what many considered little more than fantasy-market speculation. As has been the case since last season, Mercedes remained one of the most frequently discussed destinations. That was due not only to Toto Wolff’s long-standing admiration for the Dutch champion but also to a conversation between Wolff and Jos Verstappen during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend in Montréal.
Now, after several weeks of relative silence, former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has reignited the discussion. Speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, as reported by RN365, Schumacher suggested that Mercedes did indeed make an offer to Max Verstappen, but that the Dutchman ultimately turned it down.
Max Verstappen and the reasons behind his frustration
Max Verstappen is not experiencing his strongest Formula 1 season, and the reasons are linked both to the car and to the current regulations. The RB22 has shown several weaknesses, with the notable exception of the power unit developed in partnership with Ford.
According to FIA assessments, that power unit has been recognised as the strongest on the grid, to the point that it will not be subject to the ADUO adjustment mechanism.
At the same time, the reigning world champion has not hidden his dissatisfaction with some aspects of the current Formula 1 rules. Earlier in the season, Max Verstappen even hinted at the possibility of retiring from the sport before enjoying a more competitive run of weekends. Future regulation changes, including the revised split between electric and internal-combustion power from 50-50 to 60-40 next season, may also help address some of his concerns.
His frustration, particularly during the early races of the championship, inevitably fuelled transfer rumours. Those rumours gained further momentum because of a clause within his contract, which officially ties him to Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season. However, that agreement could reportedly be affected if Max Verstappen were not among the top two drivers in the championship standings by the midpoint of the 2026 campaign. Given the current situation, the topic remains highly relevant.
Ralf Schumacher: Max Verstappen reportedly said no to Mercedes
As mentioned previously, Toto Wolff’s desire to see Max Verstappen driving for Mercedes appears unchanged. Combined with the level already achieved by Kimi Antonelli, the Dutchman would create one of the strongest driver pairings in Formula 1.
At present, Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli appear to enjoy an excellent relationship, almost resembling an older and younger brother dynamic. There is clear mutual respect between the two, which makes it fascinating to imagine how that relationship might evolve if they were battling each other for race victories or pole positions within the same team.
According to Ralf Schumacher, however, the proposed deal was rejected by the Dutch driver. The former Formula 1 racer explained why:
“Apparently that offer was so low from a financial perspective that it was never seriously considered. That is what seems to be happening behind the scenes at the moment.”
In other words, the salary proposed by Mercedes was reportedly not enough to convince Max Verstappen to leave Red Bull and move to Brackley.
Following Schumacher’s interpretation, Mercedes may have been unwilling to go further because of the extraordinary performances being delivered by Kimi Antonelli. The young Italian has enjoyed a sensational season, winning five of the first seven races. Should he maintain that level and secure the championship, his market value and future salary expectations would inevitably rise.
Schumacher then raised a question that many observers may be asking:
“Why would Toto Wolff hire the expensive Max Verstappen alongside Kimi Antonelli, who, if everything goes according to plan, will be the next superstar? He would end up with two drivers fighting each other within the team. He remembers very well what happened in the days of Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, and that is the last thing you want. Above all, it would put Kimi at risk.”
Would Max Verstappen to Mercedes really make sense?
It is certainly a valid question. Schumacher’s comments may sound surprising, but they also suggest that discussions are taking place behind closed doors and could continue to develop over the coming months.
Not only do they indicate that Mercedes remains genuinely interested in Max Verstappen, but they may also suggest that the Dutchman has begun seriously evaluating his long-term future. Given his relentless desire to win, Mercedes currently represents the benchmark team in Formula 1.
At the same time, another interpretation can be drawn from the reported offer. Mercedes may already be making its position clear. The impression is that the team would not bring Max Verstappen into the garage as a designated number-one driver, but rather as an equal to Kimi Antonelli, with both drivers receiving the same opportunity to fight for championships.
That philosophy has always been deeply rooted within Mercedes. Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg experienced it firsthand during their years as team-mates.
From Max Verstappen’s perspective, the logic behind considering a move is easy to understand. From Mercedes’ perspective, however, the situation is more complex. Signing the Dutchman would mean pairing two drivers with very similar characteristics: immense ambition, relentless competitiveness, a constant hunger for success and a willingness to push to the absolute limit at every opportunity.
It could also indicate that Mercedes is already thinking seriously about life after George Russell, particularly if the British driver continues to maintain a relatively low-profile role within the team.
In that context, there have also been reports linking Carlos Sainz to Mercedes. The Spanish driver is believed to be less than fully satisfied with the Williams project, and the possibility of joining a top team reportedly remains open should an opportunity arise.
As Formula 1 heads toward the summer period, it is only natural that attention is once again turning toward the driver market. Based on the rumours currently circulating through the paddock, this is a market that appears far from quiet and could still produce several major surprises in the months ahead.
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