Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius has reportedly given the go-ahead for the team’s attempt to sign Red Bull driver Max Verstappen for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Although Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, speculation around this high-profile transfer has intensified following Kallenius’s approval.
Kallenius is said to have played a crucial role behind the scenes in Mercedes’s efforts to bring Verstappen on board, signaling the team’s commitment to reshaping their driver lineup with Verstappen at the forefront from 2026 onwards. This development marks a major shift in F1’s competitive landscape amid ongoing contract uncertainties.
Christian Horner Involved in Heated Dispute with Jos Verstappen During British Grand Prix
Sources reveal that Christian Horner, the recently departed Red Bull team principal, had a tense confrontation with Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, during the British Grand Prix weekend. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher reported that Jos Verstappen was visibly displeased with how the situation unfolded at Silverstone.
Christian Horner’s departure after over two decades in charge of the Milton Keynes-based team adds further strain to relationships within the Red Bull camp. The incident highlights the increasing tension hanging over Red Bull during a pivotal moment in Verstappen’s career.
“anything but happy with the situation”
—Ralf Schumacher, Former F1 Driver
Jolyon Palmer Defends Oscar Piastri Following Controversial Penalty
Former Renault F1 driver Jolyon Palmer has stepped forward in defense of Oscar Piastri after the latter received a 10-second penalty for erratic driving behind the Safety Car at Silverstone. This penalty came as Piastri was leading the race, ultimately allowing teammate Lando Norris to seize victory.
Piastri, frustrated by the penalty, has seen his championship lead narrow to just eight points, intensifying pressure on the young driver. Palmer insists that Piastri’s actions were routine and that the penalty was unjustified, fueling debate over race officiating after the British Grand Prix.
Jenson Button Announces Departure from World Endurance Championship but Continues Racing
Jenson Button, 2009 Formula 1 World Champion and current Sky F1 analyst, has confirmed he will exit the World Endurance Championship after the 2025 season. At 45 years old, Button clarified that this decision does not mark full retirement from motorsport, suggesting he may reduce his racing commitments rather than end them completely.
Button recently secured a podium finish by coming second at Interlagos, the same track where he won his F1 title, underscoring his enduring competitiveness despite stepping back from full-time racing in endurance series.
Potential Alpine Move for Kimi Antonelli Tied to Mercedes Signing Max Verstappen
There are emerging claims that 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli could be loaned to Alpine for the 2026 F1 season if Mercedes successfully signs Max Verstappen alongside George Russell. With Russell’s contract up at the end of this year, he appears most likely to be replaced should the Verstappen deal come through.
This arrangement would involve Antonelli taking a temporary seat at Alpine, offering the young driver crucial race experience while Mercedes reshapes their driver pairings. The scenario reveals the complex driver market implications stemming from the Verstappen transfer talks.
Significance and Potential Outcomes of Verstappen’s Move to Mercedes
The reported approval of Max Verstappen’s transfer to Mercedes signals a major upheaval in Formula 1’s competitive dynamics. Verstappen’s presence at Mercedes would strengthen the team’s championship ambitions and potentially unsettle current driver line-ups, notably that of George Russell. Meanwhile, the internal turmoil evident from the Horner-Verstappen family dispute reflects the tension and uncertainty permeating Red Bull as they face the prospect of losing their star driver.
As teams prepare for the 2026 season, this transfer update will likely generate ripple effects across the paddock, influencing contracts, driver placements, and team strategies. Fans and insiders will be watching closely for official confirmations and further developments in a story that epitomizes the high-stakes world of F1.
