Red Bull frontman Max Verstappen has reportedly agreed to join Mercedes ahead of the 2025 season.
Verstappen’s Red Bull contract runs until 2028. However, there are reportedly clauses in his contract that could expedite his departure.
If the move pans out, it could mark the end of George Russell’s time with the Silver Arrows.
Unfortunately my race was over at turn 3, but these things happen. Proud of all the support throughout the weekend, thank you 🙏 pic.twitter.com/RiVUgM73O9
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) June 29, 2025
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has always been vocal about his desire to bring Max Verstappen to Mercedes. Ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, the billionaire and former racing driver acknowledged that he was keeping tabs on Verstappen’s future.
Wolff said (via The Guardian):
“As a team principal responsible for the best car brand in the world, it is clear you’re exploring what a four-time world champion is going to do in the future.”
Red Bull Icon Max Verstappen Says Yes to Mercedes
Max Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull had kept the rumours at bay. According to Sky Italian, however, the situation has now taken a turn. The 27-year-old driver is reportedly in concrete talks to join Mercedes ahead of the 2026 season. Verstappen have chosen the Germans over Aston Martin, as he has concerns about their 2026 performance.
The No. 1 is close to finalising his move to Mercedes, after saying yes to their proposal. As negotiations continue with the driver, Mercedes still has one more obstacle to overcome to make the move a reality.
BREAKING 🚨| Mercedes is in concrete negotiations with Max Verstappen, as the Dutchman prepares to free himself from his Red Bull contract for a potential move next season.
[@SkySportF1] pic.twitter.com/jinB4Y91fi— Mercedes Hub (@MercedesF1_Hub) July 1, 2025
As per the aforementioned report, some board members have yet to green-light Verstappen’s acquisition. Doubts have been raised due to the upcoming regulation changes in 2026. However, considering how long Wolff and Mercedes have been chasing Verstappen, no hurdle would be big enough as long as the driver is fully on board.
George Russell to Make Way for Arch-Rival Max Verstappen
If Max Verstappen’s move to Mercedes goes through, he will undoubtedly be the lead driver at Mercedes. This means that George Russell will have to find a new home for 2026.
The British driver will see his contract expire at the end of the season. Mercedes and Russell have been negotiating for a while, but have not managed to find a breakthrough. If Verstappen’s arrival is sealed, Mercedes may not hesitate to let the former Williams driver leave.
This is not the first time Russell has been linked with an exit this summer. In June, Charles Leclerc was tipped to be his successor at Mercedes.
got the shot https://t.co/7G6NjYAbQx pic.twitter.com/9US6xTrMYc
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) June 30, 2025
If Russell does leave this summer, it would leave Andrea Kimi Antonelli to partner up with Verstappen. The young Italian, who unfortunately crashed into the Dutchman in the Austrian GP, shares a good relationship with him. Additionally, with Antonelli still only finding his feet, he may not mind giving the top spot to Verstappen.
Toto Wolff has suggested that Mercedes will finalise their 2026 roster by the end of the August summer break. It will be interesting to see how the Verstappen situation develops over the next few weeks.
