Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has expressed his strong belief that Max Verstappen will ultimately depart from Red Bull to join Mercedes. This speculation has intensified over the past month as Verstappen’s future in F1 continues to dominate headlines, fueled by ongoing Max Verstappen Mercedes move rumors.
Last year, Mercedes showed clear interest in Verstappen, with team principal Toto Wolff openly pursuing the four-time world champion. As contracts for drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli near expiration at the end of this season, the possibility of Verstappen switching teams seems more plausible than ever.
Potential Challenges Within Mercedes’ Driver Lineup
George Russell is widely considered one of the top competitors this year, showcasing impressive performances throughout 2025. Though a pairing of Verstappen and Russell might boost Mercedes’ chances on paper, managing two elite drivers side by side carries inherent difficulties. Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli, regarded as a promising talent for the future, is not yet ready to compete directly with a driver of Verstappen’s caliber.
Despite Verstappen’s success with Red Bull, Schumacher insists a move is necessary for the Dutch driver to regain top-level achievements.
Well, what can I say? No doubt no one in Salzburg will want to hear this, but the omens are not exactly favourable for Red Bull at the moment,
Schumacher commented on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast.
He added that recent developments mean Verstappen will have to consider other options if he aims to continue succeeding soon.
At least I think so, because we should also not forget that new engines are coming and with them anything is still possible.
Verstappen’s Loyalty to Red Bull and the Inevitable Shift
Max Verstappen joined the Red Bull family after debuting with Toro Rosso in 2015 as a teenager. His promotion to Red Bull in 2016 resulted in an immediate race win, though it was not until 2021, with Honda’s engine partnership, that he captured his first world title and effectively challenged Mercedes’ dominance.
Schumacher acknowledged Verstappen’s strong connection to Red Bull but asserted that his career path points towards a switch to Mercedes.
That’s why I really think his journey will continue at Mercedes, although I can imagine he could have a hard time with that too,
Schumacher remarked.
He noted Verstappen’s gratitude to Red Bull, saying,
“He is obviously attached to Red Bull. We’ve talked about it more than once, that he owes Red Bull an awful lot.”
But his management and his father, who has been in F1 for a long time himself, already know where he is going. So I really think it will be Mercedes.
Implications for Formula 1 and the Road Ahead
If Verstappen does join Mercedes, the move would significantly reshape the team dynamics and the greater F1 grid, intensifying competition. Russell’s contract situation and Antonelli’s development timeline will be central to how Mercedes structures its driver lineup going forward.
For Verstappen, switching teams might represent not only a fresh challenge but also the chance to reclaim championship success amid upcoming technical changes and new engine regulations. The motorsport world awaits confirmation as speculation continues to swirl around his next steps.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Max Verstappen a millionaire?
A. As of December 2024, Celebrity Net Worth estimates Verstappen’s wealth at around $200 million. His income comes from endorsements, investments, and a high-paying Formula 1 career. Before 2020, he made less than the leading F1 drivers.
