Max Verstappen is reportedly impressed by Mercedes’ preparations for the 2026 Formula 1 season, raising speculation that he might leave Red Bull to join the Silver Arrows. Sources suggest this change could be motivated by Mercedes’ promising car and engine development under new regulations, positioning them as the team to beat next year.
Although Verstappen remains contracted with Red Bull until the end of 2028, it is understood his current deal includes a performance-based clause allowing him to depart early if specific conditions are met, possibly by the Hungarian Grand Prix break in August 2025.
What could trigger Verstappen’s exit from Red Bull and who would he replace at Mercedes?
Recent reports indicate Verstappen is nearing an agreement with Mercedes, potentially endorsed by CEO Ola Kallenius. His current contract reportedly contains an exit option if he stands below fourth place in the Drivers’ Championship following the Hungarian Grand Prix.
At present, Verstappen is third in the championship, holding an 18-point lead over George Russell, who is widely seen as the driver Verstappen would replace. Russell’s contract with Mercedes is due to expire at the end of 2025, aligning with this possible driver switch.
Mercedes is preparing extensively for major changes in the 2026 season, including the introduction of 50 percent electrification, sustainable fuels, and active aerodynamics. These advancements have reportedly progressed more smoothly for Mercedes than for many of their rivals, who are experiencing challenges with their engine development.
Historically, Mercedes dominated F1 after the 2014 engine regulation changes, securing eight consecutive Constructors’ titles and seven Drivers’ Championships with Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. This legacy adds weight to their current position as a strong contender heading into 2026.
Next season will mark Red Bull’s debut as an engine manufacturer through their newly formed Powertrains division in partnership with Ford, taking over from their current technical partner Honda, who is moving to Aston Martin for the new engine program.
Challenges with Red Bull’s new power unit and Verstappen’s frustration
Johnny Herbert, former FIA steward and Sky F1 pundit, believes doubts surrounding the RBPT-Ford engine reliability and Mercedes’ reputedly superior new engine could drive Verstappen’s decision to switch teams. Herbert commented that Verstappen is fully aware of the ongoing development issues within Red Bull and that Mercedes’ progress presents a compelling alternative.
Herbert said:
“Max will be very aware of what’s going on within Red Bull’s development programme for next year with the new engine, the new power unit they’re making themselves, and all the different elements to that, and then obviously to the car at the same time.”
“Rumours are that it’s not been going very well. But the rumours have been that Mercedes are going very well.”
“Max would want to put himself in a position where he has the best chance he can to [win].”
“He’s frustrated where he is because they’re not able to give him what he wants.”
There have been a lot of people who have left. There are still things going on behind the scenes.
—Johnny Herbert, former FIA steward and pundit
Contract dynamics and the precedent of driver moves
Despite dominating with Red Bull by securing four consecutive World Championships, Verstappen’s chances of a fifth title this year have lessened, having won only two of the first 12 races. He currently trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by 69 points ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa.
Herbert draws parallels between Verstappen’s situation and Lewis Hamilton’s move from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013. Hamilton’s transition paid off handsomely as Mercedes became the dominant team in F1 following the 2014 regulation overhaul.
Herbert elaborated:
“The discussions I would have thought that Toto [Wolff, Mercedes boss] and Max have had are probably very, very similar to what Niki Lauda had with Lewis when 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.”
“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.”
“Max is thinking: ‘I’ve got to get out of here.’”
“It’s little ingredients and that just keeps creeping into his season so far.”
“And the more that it happens, the more he must be thinking: ‘I’ve got to move on. I’ve to find a place that would give me what I need.’”
“The thing is with Red Bull, with the engine program that they’ve got, it’s going to take time.”
And time is not always what an F1 driver has on his side.
—Johnny Herbert, former FIA steward and pundit
Insights from Christian Horner on Red Bull’s engine prospects
These developments follow comments from Christian Horner, recently departed Red Bull team principal, who acknowledged that Mercedes is likely to have the upper hand in power unit performance for 2026. Speaking before the British Grand Prix, Horner admitted it would be embarrassing for Red Bull or any manufacturer to outperform Mercedes on their first try at the new engine regulations.
He said:
“Things go in cycles and sport goes in cycles.”
“We’ve had two incredibly successful cycles in Formula 1 and what we want to do is build towards the next cycle.”
“Now, of course, we want that to be with Max, but we understand the pressure that there is next year with us coming in as a new power unit manufacturer.”
“The challenge of that is enormous. But we’ve got a hugely capable group of people. We’ve invested significantly. We’ve got a great culture within the team.”
“Who knows? To expect us to be ahead of Mercedes next year is [unrealistic].”
It would be embarrassing for Mercedes if we were, or for any manufacturer.
—Christian Horner, former Red Bull team principal
Possible impacts on the Formula 1 driver market and upcoming season
Should Verstappen transition to Mercedes, it would trigger a significant reshuffle within the F1 driver market for 2026. George Russell, who currently occupies the Mercedes seat and whose contract ends in 2025, could face displacement or renegotiation of his position. This potential move also highlights the intensified competition among top teams as they prepare for sweeping regulation changes focused on sustainability and electrification.
These shifts underline the high stakes of engine development programs and the pressures on drivers to secure competitive machinery. Verstappen’s decision will not only affect his own trajectory but could influence team strategies and the championship landscape over the coming years.
As the 2025 season unfolds, close attention is expected on Verstappen’s performance, contract options, and team developments, especially around the Hungarian Grand Prix, where any exit clause might be activated.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Max Verstappen a billionaire?
A. Different sources suggest that Max Verstappen’s net worth is around $210 million.
Q. Did Max Verstappen apologize?
A. Christian Horner shared that Max Verstappen said sorry to the Red Bull team after he collided with George Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix. Because of this incident, Verstappen fell from fifth to tenth place, as he received a 10-second penalty.
Q. Who did Max Verstappen lose respect for?
A. Max Verstappen expressed that he “lost all respect” for George Russell following a stewards’ hearing in Qatar regarding a qualifying incident in Formula 1.
Q. Has Max Verstappen apologized to Lando Norris?
A. He doesn’t have to apologize. I’m not waiting for an apology from him, nor do I think one is necessary. The race was intense and sometimes pushed boundaries, but after discussing it, we’re both ready to race again.
