Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, is reportedly open to leaving Red Bull to join Mercedes for the 2026 season, with negotiations gaining momentum ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix, according to Sky in Italy. The news has sent shockwaves through the F1 paddock, as the Dutch driver’s future with Red Bull, where he is contracted until 2028, remains under scrutiny amid the team’s struggles in the 2025 season.
Speculation about Verstappen’s next move intensified at last weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, where Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed “conversations behind closed doors” were taking place. George Russell, Mercedes’ current driver, revealed to Sky Sports F1 that his own contract, which expires at the end of 2025, has not been extended due to the team’s ongoing discussions with Verstappen. This development has fueled rumors that Mercedes is prioritizing the reigning champion as they prepare for significant regulation changes in 2026, which will introduce new power unit configurations and active aerodynamics.
Verstappen’s frustration with Red Bull’s performance this season has been evident. The team, which dominated the constructors’ championships in 2022 and 2023, has fallen behind McLaren, Ferrari, and a resurgent Mercedes in 2025. Verstappen, currently third in the drivers’ standings, 61 points behind leader Oscar Piastri, suffered a non-finish in Austria after a first-lap collision with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli. Speaking to Viaplay, Verstappen emphasized the need for Red Bull to deliver car upgrades before the summer break, hinting that his future could hinge on the team’s ability to regain competitiveness.
Mercedes, meanwhile, sees Verstappen as the ideal candidate to lead their post-Lewis Hamilton era, with the seven-time champion having moved to Ferrari in 2025. Wolff has long admired Verstappen, and despite the Mercedes board’s reservations about the necessity of signing him given their expected strong car in 2026, the prospect of pairing the Dutchman with their advanced power unit technology is enticing. However, Verstappen’s potential move could complicate matters for Russell, whose strong performances, including a win in Canada, have not yet secured his seat beyond this season.
A clause in Verstappen’s Red Bull contract reportedly allows him to leave if he is not in the top four of the drivers’ championship by the summer break following the Hungarian Grand Prix on August 3. Currently third, Verstappen holds a 36-point lead over fifth-placed Charles Leclerc, making his position precarious but achievable. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner dismissed the speculation as “noise,” insisting Verstappen remains committed until 2028. However, Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle suggested there is “no smoke without fire,” pointing to the intensifying talks as evidence of a potential shift.
The British Grand Prix at Silverstone, set for July 4-6, will serve as a critical juncture. The high-speed circuit will test Red Bull’s latest upgrades, and Verstappen’s performance could influence his decision. With Cadillac executives present to discuss their 2026 F1 entry, the paddock is abuzz with deal-making, and Verstappen’s future is the centerpiece of the conversation. As the 2026 regulations loom, promising a reset in team competitiveness, Verstappen’s choice could reshape the F1 grid for years to come.