)
Max Verstappen is reportedly edging closer to a sensational switch to Mercedes for 2026.
The Formula 1 paddock descends on Silverstone this week with one story making the headlines.
Reports suggest Max Verstappen may be about to swap Red Bull blue for Mercedes silver.
What began as a whisper in Spielberg has, within seven days, evolved into full‑volume negotiations, according to multiple senior sources.
What's the story: Is Verstappen to Mercedes really happening?
)
On Monday, it was reported that Verstappen’s representatives had “intensified” discussions with Toto Wolff, building on the Mercedes boss’s public admission that talks were “happening behind closed doors” during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, per Sky Italia.
)
The Guardian later reported that the dialogue is now “advanced”, though the Mercedes board remains split on whether recruiting the four‑time champion is worth the upheaval—and the cost.
Wolff, ever the strategist, has set an August deadline for finalising his 2026 driver roster.
Verstappen's Red Bull contract clause
)
On paper, Verstappen is tied to Red Bull until 2028, yet the Dutchman’s deal contains a key clause: if he is outside the top four at the start of the summer recess (after the Hungarian Grand Prix, 1–3 August), he can walk.
The defending F1 world champion is currently third—only nine points clear of George Russell—making every lap between now and Budapest a matter of contractual life or death.
Meanwhile, Red Bull Team prinicipal Christian Horner, has branded the speculation “a lot of noise”.
The £100 million question
)
According to Sky Sports, prising Verstappen away from Red Bull would cost “in excess of £100 million” in buy‑out fees alone—an eye‑watering sum even for a team bankrolled by Mercedes‑Benz shareholders.
Some Stuttgart executives ask whether that money is better spent perfecting the new Silver Arrows power unit, which many insiders expect to set the benchmark under the 2026 regulations.
Yet Wolff knows that landing Verstappen would seriously wound Red Bull commercially, and boost Mercedes’ marketing clout.
What does Verstappen’s arrival mean for Russell and Antonelli?
)
However, it’s not that simple. If Verstappen signs, one seat must vacate.
Russell admitted last weekend he still has no contract for 2026 because the team is in “ongoing conversations” with other drivers.
Should the Briton be squeezed out, Sky Italia has tipped him to either sign with Red Bull or Aston Martin, while teenage prodigy Kimi Antonelli would retain his graduate seat alongside the incoming superstar.
Ten years after Lewis Hamilton’s era‑defining gamble to leave McLaren, Formula 1 stands on the brink of another seismic transfer, or not.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)