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Max Verstappen ‘Says YES’ to Mercedes F1 Deal as Red Bull Exit Loom

Formula 1 may be on the verge of one of its most dramatic driver moves in recent history, as multiple reports indicate that reigning world champion Max Verstappen has verbally accepted an offer to join the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.

According to Sky Italia, negotiations between Verstappen and Mercedes are already “in full swing,” with the Dutch superstar allegedly saying yes to the proposal personally extended by Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. However, the deal is not yet finalized, as part of the Mercedes board has reportedly not yet given full approval for the move, leaving Verstappen’s official signing hanging in the balance.

Red Bull Contract Exit Clause Could Be Key

Verstappen is still under contract with Red Bull Racing until the end of the 2028 season. However, amid growing tensions and performance struggles this year, team figures Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have both alluded to the existence of an exit clause in his long-term agreement. That clause is believed to allow Verstappen to leave the team early under certain conditions—one of which appears to be linked to internal management instability and competitiveness.

With Red Bull now facing fierce competition and slipping to fourth in the constructors’ championship, the dominance they enjoyed in recent years is under threat. Verstappen, currently sitting third in the drivers’ standings, has reportedly grown frustrated with the RB21’s inconsistency and the internal turmoil that has surrounded the team since early 2025.

Mercedes’ Long Pursuit Comes Full Circle

Toto Wolff’s interest in Max Verstappen is nothing new. The Austrian executive tried to sign the Dutchman to the Mercedes junior program back in 2014, only to lose out to Red Bull, who promised Verstappen a rapid debut in F1. Over a decade later, Wolff appears to be rekindling that interest in a much bigger way—this time with a full factory seat offer.

Speaking last weekend at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Wolff neither confirmed nor denied the rumors, but acknowledged that Mercedes is always “evaluating every opportunity” for the future. George Russell also hinted at changes ahead, stating that “nothing is guaranteed” for 2026, fueling further speculation that Verstappen’s arrival could mean a reshuffle of Mercedes’ current lineup.

Austrian GP Drama Intensifies Speculation

Fuel was added to the fire at the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix, where Verstappen’s race ended abruptly on the first lap after a dramatic collision with Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli. The incident came at a time when Antonelli’s own seat for 2026 remains unconfirmed—potentially opening the door for Verstappen to take over the young Italian’s place.

Whether Antonelli is demoted, Russell is moved on, or Mercedes opts for a three-driver strategy under the new regulations remains to be seen. What is clear is that the Silver Arrows are in the market for a proven champion as they look to rebuild their winning legacy in the upcoming regulation era starting 2026.

What This Means for F1’s Future

If confirmed, Verstappen’s move would signal a monumental power shift in Formula 1. Not only would it end his storied tenure with Red Bull—where he secured four consecutive drivers’ titles—but it would also instantly position Mercedes as championship favourites under the new technical regulations.

Red Bull, meanwhile, would be left scrambling for a suitable replacement. While names like Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, and Liam Lawson have been linked to the seat, none carry the star power or consistent dominance of Verstappen.

F1 insiders suggest that Red Bull may already be preparing for life after Verstappen, with changes to their 2025 and 2026 driver lineups expected to be announced as early as the British Grand Prix weekend.

Final Thoughts

Though no official statement has been made by Verstappen or Mercedes, the signs increasingly point toward a massive shake-up in the driver market. With Verstappen’s trust in Red Bull apparently waning and Mercedes eager to reclaim their place at the top of F1, the move could be a win-win for both parties.

Whether the deal becomes official before the summer break or waits until the end of the season, one thing is certain—Formula 1 is bracing itself for a superteam era in silver.

Will Max Verstappen be Mercedes’ next world champion? The countdown to 2026 has already begun.