Mercedes CEO Reportedly Approves Max Verstappen Transfer after...read more

Mercedes CEO Reportedly Approves Max Verstappen Transfer Amid Red Bull Shake-Up

In what could be one of the most dramatic moves in recent Formula 1 history, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius has reportedly given the go-ahead for the Silver Arrows to pursue reigning four-time world champion Max Verstappen, according to a fresh report by Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport.

This latest twist comes just days after Red Bull made headlines with the immediate and controversial sacking of team principal Christian Horner. The abrupt leadership change has thrown Red Bull into turmoil and reignited speculation over Verstappen’s future with the team he joined in 2016 and led to multiple championship titles.

Horner’s Exit Sparks Uncertainty

While Red Bull have not officially linked Horner’s dismissal to Verstappen’s contract situation, many within the paddock believe it may be connected. Some reports suggest that Horner’s departure was a desperate final effort to retain Verstappen’s loyalty, while others claim the decision came too late and the Dutchman had already begun exploring his exit options.

The fallout from Horner’s departure has further destabilized the Red Bull camp, and Verstappen — who has long been seen as the backbone of the team’s success — now finds himself at the center of a bidding war.

Mercedes Sees Opportunity

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has previously commented on the Verstappen situation with caution, noting in June that “it’s only natural” to monitor a driver of Verstappen’s caliber, but emphasized that changes to his current driver lineup would need to be handled with respect and consideration for all stakeholders.

Despite Wolff’s diplomatic stance, it now appears that discussions at the highest level of the Mercedes-Benz Group have intensified — and reached a turning point.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, CEO Ola Källenius has now officially withdrawn any internal resistance to pursuing Verstappen, effectively giving Wolff the green light to proceed with negotiations.

“President Ola Källenius seems to have withdrawn his reservation, giving the green light to the operation,” the publication reports. “This would entail an economic investment far greater than that currently earmarked for George Russell (around €14 million) and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli (just over €1 million).”

A Blockbuster Deal in the Making

Verstappen currently earns over €50 million annually at Red Bull, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the sport. Any successful bid by Mercedes would need to at least match — and likely exceed — that salary, potentially making it one of the most expensive driver deals in F1 history.

For a company as financially disciplined as Mercedes, such a decision would not be taken lightly. Källenius, known for his sharp business acumen, would have weighed the cost-benefit carefully before greenlighting any such move. His approval suggests the company believes Verstappen could be the missing piece in Mercedes’ efforts to return to championship-winning form.

After a dominant era with Lewis Hamilton, the Brackley-based team has faced stiff competition from Red Bull in recent seasons and has struggled to regain its foothold at the top. Verstappen’s arrival could mark the start of a new dominant era for Mercedes.

Driver Dilemma Looms

If Mercedes move forward with signing Verstappen, the team would face an immediate internal dilemma. With only two race seats available, either George Russell or F1 newcomer Andrea Kimi Antonelli would be forced to make way.

Russell, a consistent performer and regarded as the team’s long-term future after Hamilton’s departure, would be a controversial casualty. Meanwhile, Antonelli, the highly-rated Mercedes junior promoted for 2025, is considered one of the brightest young prospects on the grid.

The decision would not be easy — but Mercedes may be willing to make bold sacrifices to secure a proven champion like Verstappen.

A Potential New Era in F1

If this high-stakes move materializes, it would not only send shockwaves through Red Bull but could shift the power balance across the entire F1 paddock. Verstappen in Silver would signify the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter — one that could redefine rivalries, strategies, and championships in the years to come.

While neither Mercedes nor Verstappen’s camp has issued an official comment, the coming weeks could be critical in determining whether this blockbuster transfer becomes a reality.