One of F1’s biggest stars could be on the move soon.
Max Verstappen, who is currently signed with Red Bull, is in talks with Mercedes over changing sides, according to The Guardian. The negotiations have reportedly intensified leading up to this weekend’s British Grand Prix.
There was plenty of buzz around the Dutch driver at the Austrian Grand Prix last week, where the Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, confirmed he was trying to sign Verstappen. The racer allegedly contacted Mercedes first, and the two sides have been in talks ever since.
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Verstappen, a four-time world champion, would be a huge get for Mercedes, who have a history of convincing drivers to sign on with them. The team lured seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton away from McLaren in 2012.
Here’s a look at the rumors swirling around Max Verstappen and Mercedes.
Did Max Verstappen sign with Mercedes?
Verstappen has not signed with Mercedes, but he is reportedly in talks about leaving Red Bull to join the rival team.
Mercedes has had its eye on Verstappen since last year, when the team had an opening. They ultimately selected Kimi Antonelli to join George Russell for 2025, but neither driver has a contract for next year. Wolff is clearly interested in Verstappen for 2026.
“As a team principal responsible for the best car brand in the world it is clear you’re exploring what a four-time world champion is going to do in the future,” said Wolff at the Austrian Grand Prix.
What team is Max Verstappen on?
Verstappen is currently with Red Bull. He has been with the squad since 2015 when he first raced for the junior side, Toro Rosso. He was elevated to the senior side in 2016 and, in his debut, became F1’s youngest-ever race winner (18 years and 228 days) at Barcelona.
Is Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull
Verstappen is not leaving Red Bull right now, but he is reportedly in talks with Mercedes about joining them soon. The former is the only team Verstappen has raced for as a professional.
Max Verstappen contract details
Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028. However, he does have exit clauses in his deal that would allow him to leave. There is reportedly an option that would be triggered if he is below a specific place in the standings at the summer break, which is after the Hungarian Grand Prix on August 3.
