Verstappen to Mercedes: the rumor shaking F1 and opening up a possible historic change

The idea of seeing Max Verstappen racing for another team seemed impossible, but a new rumor has erupted in the paddock and is shaking up the entire Formula 1: Mercedes is reportedly pursuing the Dutchman.

The rumor gained traction over the weekend in Spielberg, when George Russell hinted that his team and the current four-time champion might be in talks with an eye on 2026. With no contract renewal finalized for that year, the Briton suggested: "Mercedes wants to return to the top, and if you're going to do that, you need the best drivers. So it's normal that conversations with Verstappen are ongoing".

Toto Wolff, Mercedes's team principal, did not avoid the subject: "As the head of the best team in the world, it's clear you must explore what a four-time champion is going to do in the future". His response further fueled speculation.

Although Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, there are clauses linked to the team's performance that could allow for an early exit. According to reports, he could break the contract if his car is not among the top four after the Hungarian Grand Prix, next August 3.

When asked about his future, Max avoided specifics: "I don't think we need to talk about that. It's not really on my mind. It's just about driving and trying to push the performance".

Red Bull in crisis

Meanwhile, the energy drink team is going through a delicate moment. Sergio "Checo" Pérez was dismissed after repeated mistakes, Liam Lawson only had two races, and Yuki Tsunoda has not managed to establish himself. In addition, the team lost its historic designer Adrian Newey (now at Aston Martin), its sporting director Jonathan Wheatley (now at Sauber), and strategist Will Courtenay (moved to McLaren), who also outperformed them in the constructors' championship.

Meanwhile, there is an internal conflict between Jos Verstappen, Max's father, and Christian Horner, the team principal embroiled in a scandal of internal accusations later dismissed, which adds tension to a team showing signs of strain.

Given this scenario, Mercedes emerges as a tempting project for the Belgian. Wolff, who already managed the explosive Rosberg-Hamilton duo, doesn't rule out repeating it: "I already had Rosberg and Hamilton fighting for the title. Everything that comes after is easy", he joked.