Is Max Verstappen considering a switch to Mercedes? It’s not a new rumor in the paddock, but recently, thanks to Mercedes driver George Russell, it has resurfaced. While Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff remains non-committal, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko deny a potential switch. But what does Verstappen himself say about it?
It all started with a statement from George Russell. The driver confirmed to Sky Sports that Mercedes is in talks with Max Verstappen. Since then, the rumor mill hasn’t stopped, and multiple parties involved have weighed in. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff remained non-committal, promising only to provide clarity soon about his team’s line-up for 2026. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner dismissed the rumors as merely ‘noise’ and ‘purely speculative’.
Advisor Helmut Marko sees no reason for Verstappen to move to Mercedes, as the Dutchman, according to the Austrian, enjoys much more freedom at Red Bull. “Max has a contract until 2028,” Marko told ORF. “Like all top teams, there are exit clauses based on performance. As things stand now, there is no reason why this contract could not be fulfilled.”
Verstappen Responds
Of course, Verstappen himself was also asked about the ongoing rumors in Austria. The Dutchman did not confirm the rumors, but also made no attempt to completely deny them. “I don’t have much to add,” the four-time world champion told Viaplay. “The more I talk about it, the more it gets into the media. And I certainly don’t want that. I determine my own future.”
