Verstappen to Mercedes? Talks reportedly intensify to secure the shocking deal

The Formula 1 paddock is abuzz with speculation as reports from Sky in Italy indicate that reigning world champion Max Verstappen is open to a potentially seismic move from Red Bull to Mercedes for the 2026 season. These talks are reportedly intensifying, coming just days before this weekend's British Grand Prix.

Rumours about Verstappen's future gained significant traction at the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend. Mercedes driver George Russell revealed to Sky Sports F1 that his contract beyond 2025 hadn't been renewed due to the team having "ongoing conversations" with the Dutch superstar. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff subsequently confirmed these "conversations behind closed doors." Now, Sky in Italy is reporting that these discussions have ramped up, with Verstappen reportedly willing to explore options to free himself from his current Red Bull contract, which is set to run until 2028.

Interestingly, the report also suggests that the Mercedes board is deliberating whether signing Verstappen is even necessary. With new regulations coming into effect in 2026, they believe they could potentially have the car to beat, thus questioning the need for the driver widely considered the best on the grid.

Nothing official but...

Sky Sports News, however, understands that Verstappen has not formally indicated a desire to leave Red Bull early, nor has Mercedes made an official approach for him. A key element in this unfolding saga is a clause in Verstappen's contract that would allow him to depart Red Bull after this season if he isn't within the top four of the Drivers' Championship by the start of the F1 summer break, which follows the Hungarian Grand Prix on August 3. Currently, Verstappen sits third in the standings, nine points ahead of Russell and 36 points clear of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, with three races remaining before the break. It's also understood that buying out Verstappen's current Red Bull contract could demand a sum exceeding £100 million.

Neither Russell nor his young Italian teammate Kimi Antonelli have confirmed deals with Mercedes for next year. While it's largely assumed Russell would be the one to make way if Verstappen were to join, Sky in Italy suggests that Red Bull and Aston Martin would be likely landing spots for the 27-year-old Brit if he were released by Mercedes. An F1 insider has, however, disputed the accuracy of how Mercedes handles driver contracts as suggested in the reports.

When questioned after the Austrian Grand Prix, from which Verstappen retired following a first-lap collision with Antonelli, Wolff stated that a decision on Mercedes' driver lineup for next year would be made in August. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, when asked about the speculation, dismissed it as "noise," emphasizing Verstappen's contract runs until 2028 and that the team does not "pay too much attention to it." The intriguing situation continues to unfold as the British Grand Prix approaches.