Mercedes Confirms Talks With Verstappen as 2026 Driver Decisions Loom

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Updated Jul 3, 2025, 08:41 PM

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has confirmed that he is holding discussions with Max Verstappen about a possible move to the Brackley-based squad for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Wolff acknowledged the talks during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend on 27 June and has since repeated that all options remain open as the team evaluates its future driver pairing.

Speculation escalated after Sky Italy reported this week that negotiations have advanced and that the four-time world champion is open to leaving Red Bull despite a contract that runs until the end of 2028. People familiar with the matter say exit clauses tied to team performance could allow Verstappen to depart early. Wolff has indicated he wants Mercedes’ 2026 line-up resolved before the sport’s summer break in August.

George Russell, whose current deal expires after the 2025 campaign, confirmed that Mercedes’ pursuit of Verstappen has slowed his own renewal but insisted the probability of him leaving the team is “exceptionally low”. The 27-year-old Briton expects to sign a new agreement within weeks and says he is willing to partner any team-mate.

Verstappen remained guarded when pressed at Silverstone on 3 July, stating he had “nothing more to add” on the subject. He dismissed rumours of a sabbatical and reiterated that completing his Formula 1 career with Red Bull would be “amazing”, while acknowledging the competitive uncertainty that will accompany new technical regulations in 2026.

The possible blockbuster transfer is reverberating across the paddock. Former Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton said he would recommend his old team to Verstappen, and McLaren chief executive Zak Brown remarked that the persistent chatter suggests genuine negotiations are under way. Until a decision is made, both Mercedes and Red Bull face mounting pressure to lock in their plans for the sport’s next rules era.

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