Max Verstappen is facing intense scrutiny in Formula 1 amid a difficult 2025 season, with persistent rumors suggesting he might leave Red Bull to join Mercedes. Though Verstappen has not publicly confirmed such intentions, former FIA Steward Johnny Herbert believes the Dutch driver’s current situation closely resembles Lewis Hamilton’s final year at McLaren before his switch to Mercedes in 2013.
The reigning world champion has encountered ongoing struggles at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes base after securing four consecutive titles. This slump parallels Hamilton’s 2012 season, when he endured a disappointing campaign due to McLaren’s performance and reliability shortcomings. Hamilton, after a long tenure with McLaren, ended up agreeing to move to Mercedes following persistent efforts from the late Niki Lauda, who convinced him with promises of a competitive car and future success.
How Verstappen’s Current Dilemma Echoes Hamilton’s 2012 Decision
Max Verstappen has spent his entire Formula 1 career so far with Red Bull, much like Hamilton did with McLaren before his 2013 switch. As Verstappen battles a season full of challenges and setbacks, speculation grows that Mercedes, under the leadership of Toto Wolff, may be negotiating behind the scenes to recruit the four-time world champion. Johnny Herbert, drawing from his insight and experience, suggested these talks could be nearly identical to the ones that prompted Hamilton’s move a decade ago.
“The discussions I would have thought that Toto and Max have had are probably very, very similar to what Niki Lauda had with Lewis when he was at McLaren and he got taken out of McLaren and brought over to Mercedes. Because I think Mercedes would have shown Max what they’ve got, what they believe they’re going to have for next year which will probably be the car to beat,”
Herbert told Esportsbet.
Mercedes’ upcoming car and the significant 2026 regulation changes represent a major draw for top drivers seeking a fresh start and winning prospects. With Red Bull’s internal turmoil showing little signs of abating, the prospect of a switch to the Silver Arrows is compelling for Verstappen if he believes it offers a better chance to remain competitive.
Potential Appeal of Mercedes’ Future Plans for Verstappen
Max Verstappen has long been known for his candid communication and unwavering desire to fight for the championship. Despite the severe difficulties Red Bull is currently facing, Verstappen has indicated his focus remains on competing for the crown, which suggests his future may hinge on which team can best provide that opportunity.
Herbert characterized Toto Wolff’s efforts to engage Verstappen as highly strategic and appealing. The Mercedes boss, known for his media-savvy approach, may be downplaying the seriousness of talks publicly while offering Verstappen a tantalizing vision of Mercedes’ future dominance.
“Now that would be for me, the little gold nugget that you would dangle in front of Max. And he would be wowed by what he’s being told. Toto says it’s all unlikely but that is classic Toto. There is more to it for sure.”
— Johnny Herbert
Herbert expressed that Wolff’s negotiations are designed to impress Verstappen with what Mercedes plans for the next F1 era. The combination of a talented driver looking to end a slump and a team eager to secure the sport’s best could lead to a major transfer, resembling the seismic shift witnessed when Hamilton left McLaren.
Comparing Legacies and Future Impact of a Possible Switch
The parallels between Hamilton’s decision in 2012 and Verstappen’s current predicament highlight how bonds formed with a team over many years can strain under pressure. Both drivers have faced internal issues and performance limits that prompted them to consider risky but potentially rewarding moves. Hamilton’s gamble on Mercedes propelled him to extraordinary success and transformed the team into a dominant force.
Verstappen’s choice now carries similar weight and uncertainty. Should he decide to embrace the challenge of joining Mercedes, he could both revive his career trajectory and alter the dynamics of Formula 1’s championship battles for years to come. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s fortunes may depend on how they respond to losing one of the sport’s biggest stars.
As 2026 approaches with major regulation changes that are poised to reset competitive hierarchies, Verstappen’s decision will greatly influence the balance of power within Formula 1. The sport’s followers will watch closely to see if this historic echo from 2013 repeats itself in the coming seasons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lewis Hamilton vegan?
A. Lewis Hamilton, a Formula 1 driver, openly shares his passion for veganism. He also supports plant-based businesses through his investments.
