July 3, 2025 | By Emily Rhodes, Motorsport Wire
In a stunning twist ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team has officially confirmed that it is in “advanced discussions” with reigning world champion Max Verstappen for a potential switch to the Silver Arrows in 2026. The announcement marks the first time the team has publicly acknowledged formal negotiations with the Red Bull superstar, sending shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock.
The statement, released just minutes ago, reads:
“We can confirm that the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team is currently in advanced discussions with Max Verstappen and his representatives regarding a potential driver contract beginning with the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship. No final agreement has been reached at this time, but talks are ongoing and progressing constructively.”
This development adds significant fuel to the growing rumors that Verstappen is planning to depart Red Bull Racing before the end of his current contract, which technically runs through 2028. For weeks, speculation has swirled that Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has been aggressively pursuing Verstappen as the long-term replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who will leave Mercedes at the end of this season to join Ferrari.
🔄 A New Era Looming
Wolff addressed the situation during a hastily scheduled press conference at Silverstone, calling Verstappen “a generational talent who embodies everything we want in a future team leader.” When asked whether the team would pair Verstappen with young phenom Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Wolff smiled and replied: “That would be quite the combination, wouldn’t it?”
Though Wolff did not confirm a done deal, insiders suggest the two parties are finalizing contract details, and a formal announcement could arrive before the summer break. Verstappen is reportedly seeking a performance clause and veto power over teammate selection—both points Mercedes is said to be considering.
🏎️ Why Verstappen Might Leave Red Bull
While Red Bull remains competitive, Verstappen has voiced frustrations in recent months, particularly regarding internal team politics and the departure of key technical personnel, including legendary designer Adrian Newey. Sources close to Verstappen say the 2024-25 car has been less dominant than expected, raising questions about the team’s future under Formula 1’s upcoming 2026 regulations overhaul.
One senior paddock figure told Motorsport Wire, “Max isn’t just looking for wins—he’s looking for long-term stability, control, and trust. He feels that window is closing at Red Bull.”
💣 The Fallout Begins
Red Bull Racing has yet to release an official response, but team principal Christian Horner was seen leaving an emergency meeting at the Red Bull hospitality suite minutes after Mercedes’ announcement went public.
Should Verstappen walk away, it would mark the end of one of the most dominant partnerships in Formula One history. Since joining Red Bull in 2016, Verstappen has racked up three world titles (2021, 2022, 2023) and over 60 Grand Prix victories.
Replacing him would be no easy task. The most likely internal candidate is Liam Lawson, currently serving as Red Bull’s reserve driver, though there have also been whispers of a sensational approach for Carlos Sainz—especially if Ferrari makes him available early due to Hamilton’s arrival.
👀 What’s Next?
According to reports, Verstappen has not yet informed Red Bull of his final decision, though he is believed to have a performance-related exit clause in his contract that could allow a departure at the end of this season.
Tensions between Verstappen and Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko have added further strain to the situation. Marko, once Verstappen’s staunchest ally, has reportedly clashed with management over driver direction, and Verstappen has not publicly supported Marko in recent weeks.
For now, all eyes turn to Silverstone. Verstappen will still be racing for Red Bull this weekend, but the media frenzy surrounding the Mercedes revelation is likely to dominate headlines. If he does confirm the move in the coming days, it would be one of the biggest driver transfers in the history of Formula 1—on par with Hamilton’s 2013 switch from McLaren to Mercedes.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story. The 2026 grid may soon have a very different face—and a new number 1 in silver.
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