Reports indicate that ‘concrete talks’ to seal Max Verstappen Mercedes F1 move have advanced to a stage that the Formula 1 world champion is ready to exit his Red Bull contract.
According to a reputable Italian report, Verstappen and his representatives are now engaged in “concrete negotiations” with Mercedes, with a view to a potential transfer for the 2026 F1 season.
The genesis of these negotiations can be traced back to the uncertainty surrounding Mercedes’ current driver lineup as George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are yet to receive a contract extension beyond the current season.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed at the Austrian Grand Prix that Mercedes will make a decision about their 2026 F1 driver line-up in the August summer break, with both drivers waiting to find out whether they will be retained.
The Austrian also confirmed solid talks have taken place with Verstappen and his representatives.
“You need to be respectable towards the stakeholders in all of that process – the organisation, the drivers, everybody,” Wolff told media at the Red Bull Ring.
“You need to understand the way forward. I don’t want to be sadistic in letting a driver wait or not taking any decisions when it should be taken.
“I feel we are in a good space, we’re [in] June, there are lots of discussions around.
“I’ve been open with it, transparent. And at a certain stage, in the next couple of months, until the summer break, everything is going to be done.”
It is believed that Mercedes is holding up Russell’s contract in particular, actively seeking to secure the services of a driver they perceive as being capable of restoring the team to its former glory.
While Russell remains unbothered by the contract situation following his recent run of impressive performances including a win at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix, he also hinted the Brackley based outfit is courting Verstappen.
“From my side, I don’t think I have anything really to worry about,” the British driver said in Austria. ”I think as a team it depends where you put your aspirations.
“We’re second best at the moment, maybe third best. We might be overperforming slightly to be second best.
“As Mercedes, they want to be back on top, and if you’re going to be back on top you need to make sure you’ve got the best drivers, the best engineers, the best pit crew, and that’s what Mercedes are chasing.
”So, it’s only normal that conversations with the likes of Verstappen are ongoing. But from my side, if I’m performing as I’m doing, what have I got to be concerned about? There are two seats in every Formula 1 team.”
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Reports of possible Max Verstappen Mercedes F1 move is not something new as Wolff has previously revealed his admiration for the Dutch driver linking him with the Silver Arrows on several occasions in the past.
However, the current round of negotiations appears to be more substantive than previous flirtations with both parties reportedly exploring the feasibility of a partnership that could redefine the competitive balance of Formula 1.
It is widely acknowledged within the paddock that Verstappen’s contract deal with Red Bull Racing – that runs until 2028 contains performance-based exit clauses, which could provide him with a pathway to leave ahead of schedule if certain conditions are not met.
While the specifics of these clauses remain confidential, Red Bull who have been long regarded as the benchmark for technical innovation and race-day execution have faced a series of challenges in recent seasons.
Internal disputes, high-profile departures, and a dip in on-track performance have all contributed to an environment of uncertainty within the energy drinks manufacturer.
Verstappen who has been the linchpin of Red Bull’s recent successes has found himself at the center of this maelstrom, prompting questions about his long-term future with the team.
The reigning F1 world champion recently suffered a huge blow to his hopes of defending his title after being taken out of the Austrian Grand Prix by Mercedes Kimi Antonelli, leaving him 61 points adrift of championship leader Oscar Piastri.
The setback coupled with the team’s recent struggles and the uncertainty surrounding their ability to remain competitive under the new 2026 F1 regulations could have prompted him to explore alternative options.
Mercedes with their proven track record of success and renewed momentum, represent an attractive destination for a driver of Verstappen’s caliber. The prospect of leading the team into a new era and adding to his already impressive legacy is undoubtedly a compelling proposition.
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