The Formula 1 driver market is heating up in this scorching summer, and a sensational move could be on the horizon: Max Verstappen and Mercedes are reportedly edging closer to what would be the blockbuster deal of the year. In recent hours, growing speculation surrounds a potential mega-contract for the four-time world champion, a move that could materialize sooner than expected.
While nothing has been made official yet, the paths of Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing seem increasingly likely to part ways. Or maybe not?
According to reports by Auto Motor und Sport (AMUS), Verstappen would need a strong reason to walk away from the team that made him a Formula 1 icon. For such a departure to make sense, the reigning world champion would likely need to be out of title contention—specifically, sitting below third place in the drivers’ standings by the end of July. As of now, that scenario does not apply.
If Max Verstappen joins Mercedes, who would make way?
For his part, Max Verstappen has remained tight-lipped about his future, repeatedly stating that he is focused solely on one race at a time. Team principal Toto Wolff is also playing it cautiously, although he continues to delay George Russell’s contract renewal.
George Russell is performing strongly this season, and Mercedes currently boasts one of the most competitive driver lineups, capable of challenging Ferrari and McLaren. However, with young talent Kimi Antonelli seen as the future of the Silver Arrows, many believe it is Russell who might ultimately be sacrificed to make room for Verstappen.
Mercedes pursues Verstappen, but Red Bull sets one condition to keep him
While Mercedes appears to be moving ever closer to signing Verstappen—at least according to recent rumors—Red Bull is working behind the scenes to keep their star driver. AMUS reports that Verstappen’s inner circle is actively exploring ways to persuade him to stay at the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
It’s reasonable to assume that Verstappen still wants to remain with the team that helped him win four consecutive titles. However, changes would be necessary internally. If Max Verstappen is to commit his future to Red Bull Racing, the team would need to undergo a significant restructuring. According to AMUS, the Dutch driver’s camp has made clear that such a decision would only happen if team principal Christian Horner is replaced—or, at the very least, if his authority is significantly reduced.
Replacing someone like Horner, who has led the team from Milton Keynes for 21 years, would be no small feat. Until now, he has enjoyed the full support of Red Bull’s majority Thai shareholders. But internal sources suggest that the Yoovidhya family is no longer entirely opposed to a reshuffle. Meanwhile, the Salzburg faction of the company is increasingly concerned about the global image of the brand.
In short, the situation remains unresolved, with multiple scenarios still on the table. Adding to the uncertainty is the upcoming regulation overhaul in 2026, which is expected to shake up the competitive order. And perhaps Max Verstappen is already thinking about the potential power of Mercedes’ next-generation engine…
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