Speculation surrounding Max Verstappen and his Red Bull future is reaching fever pitch in the Formula 1 paddock after news emerged that Mercedes have internally approved a massive move to sign the reigning world champion for 2026.
The timing of this ambitious push is no coincidence. Since Lewis Hamilton departed for Ferrari, the Brackley-based squad have been searching for a new focal point, and Verstappen is viewed as the ultimate leader to bring Mercedes back to the top of the sport.
With the future of George Russell still uncertain, and rising prospect Kimi Antonelli seen as the long-term cornerstone, the door is open for a dramatic shift in the team’s lineup.
According to sources La Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy, Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius has given the green light for the team to pursue Verstappen at any cost, with the Dutch star potentially available via a contract exit clause reported to be worth €102 million euros ($120m).
Verstappen is currently the highest-paid driver in F1, earning an annual base salary reported between $65 million and $67 million from Red Bull. That, coupled with the buyout figure, may be astronomical, but for a manufacturer with the resources and ambitions of Mercedes, this is no obstacle.
Red Bull’s turbulent season fuels Verstappen exit rumours
While Verstappen is still under contract with Red Bull until 2028, paddock insiders suggest there is increasing desire within his camp to consider a new challenge. The team’s internal landscape has shifted dramatically, following the sudden exit of team principal Christian Horner and a series of off-track disputes.
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On top of that, doubts remain over the competitiveness of Red Bull’s new car for the 2026 regulations, with murmurs suggesting there is no confidence in the current competitiveness and the car that is being developed for 2026. This uncertainty is being closely watched by rivals.
Mercedes are ready to exploit any opening, and insiders believe they will be willing to break the bank for a four-time world champion who could instantly transform their fortunes. With the arrival of new technical rules for 2026, the stakes have never been higher.
If the deal materialises, it could see Russell move aside, as team boss Toto Wolff seeks to pair Verstappen with young Italian talent Kimi Antonelli – a driver Wolff sees as the team’s champion of the future. Such a partnership would offer a fascinating mix of proven excellence and raw promise, positioning Mercedes to attack the new era of Formula 1 from a position of strength.
For Red Bull, the pressure is now on to convince Verstappen that he should remain the centrepiece of their project. The coming months are likely to see an intense battle for his signature, with both teams and fans waiting for the next move in a saga that is already captivating the sport.
As the season approaches its halfway point, all eyes will be on the ongoing negotiations and the first hints of Verstappen’s future intentions. Will the Dutch superstar swap Milton Keynes for Brackley and trigger the biggest transfer shock in recent Formula 1 history? The answer could reshape the grid for years to come.
