BREAKING : Max Verstappen tipped to sign ‘multi-year’ 2026 Mercedes deal… Read more
Max Verstappen Backed to Seal Multi-Year Mercedes Switch in 2026
Former Formula 1 team boss Guenther Steiner has weighed in on speculation surrounding Max Verstappen’s future, suggesting that the Dutchman could ultimately leave Red Bull to join Mercedes on a long-term deal beginning in 2027.
The three-time world champion has been linked with a potential move to Brackley for much of the year, particularly as Red Bull face mounting challenges both on and off the track. Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, has openly admitted that discussions have taken place with Verstappen regarding a possible 2026 transfer. Despite these rumours, Verstappen himself stated during the Hungarian Grand Prix that he intends to remain with Red Bull at least through the 2026 season, a crucial year that ushers in sweeping regulation changes.
Even so, speculation about Verstappen’s long-term plans refuses to die down. Reports have pointed to exit clauses in his contract that could allow him to walk away if Red Bull fail to provide a car capable of fighting consistently for championships. Steiner believes this gives the driver ultimate flexibility as the sport heads into a new era.
“Max knows he has the option to leave Red Bull at the end of 2026,” Steiner explained in an interview with Web.de. “That situation allows him to wait and see how the new regulations unfold. If Red Bull remain competitive, then he is already in the right environment. But if another team masters the new rules, he has the freedom to switch. If Mercedes prove strong from 2026, then it makes sense he signs a multi-year contract with them. Moving too early and locking into a long deal would be a bigger risk.”
The incoming 2026 regulations will completely reshape the competitive order of Formula 1, offering teams a fresh start with new chassis rules and power unit frameworks. Mercedes have been heavily linked to making a major performance leap, positioning themselves to potentially challenge at the very front. Meanwhile, Red Bull will be embarking on their own ambitious journey, developing power units in partnership with Ford for the first time in their history.
This bold project, combined with leadership changes, adds uncertainty. Following Christian Horner’s departure, Laurent Mekies has stepped in as team principal, tasked with steering Red Bull through this transformative period. Steiner, however, remains unconvinced that the Milton Keynes outfit can instantly hit the ground running.
“It could take several years before Red Bull are truly back to where they want to be,” Steiner said. “Right now, their trajectory seems more negative than positive. Mekies has a monumental challenge on his hands—key personnel have already departed for rival teams, and replacing them with equally talented individuals is never easy. On top of that, they’re building their own engine with Ford. That’s a massive undertaking, and in the first year, it’s unlikely to run smoothly. They’ll be competitive in 2026, but not at the very top. The gap will remain.”
The coming seasons therefore present Verstappen with a strategic choice. Remaining at Red Bull would demonstrate loyalty but may carry the risk of stagnation if the team fails to master the new era quickly enough. On the other hand, Mercedes’ momentum and resources could make them the most attractive long-term option.
With the Dutchman’s contract aligned to give him flexibility, Steiner believes Verstappen will wait for clear indicators before committing his future. If Mercedes deliver on their promise, the sport could witness one of the most high-profile moves in modern Formula 1 history: Verstappen in silver.
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