Max Verstappen has been seen in Sardinia alongside Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, sparking intense speculation about a possible switch to Mercedes in 2026. The ongoing Max Verstappen Mercedes move rumors come amid contract discussions and recent sightings suggesting deeper talks between the two parties.
Verstappen’s Contract and Potential Exit from Red Bull
Although Max Verstappen is officially under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, his agreement reportedly includes clauses allowing him to leave in 2026 if certain performance benchmarks are not met. The four-time world champion is currently facing speculation about a surprising transfer to Mercedes. This has grown stronger since the two men were seen at the same location, raising questions about their discussions concerning Verstappen’s future.
The uncertainty around Verstappen’s position at Red Bull is intensified by concerns within the team’s technical department. Despite a change in team leadership, key personnel like designer Pierre Wache remain, and questions persist over Red Bull’s ability to fill the void left by Adrian Newey, who was instrumental in building championship-winning cars.
Ralf Schumacher’s Perspective on Verstappen’s Future
Former Formula 1 driver and current commentator Ralf Schumacher has expressed doubts over Red Bull’s competitiveness moving forward, suggesting Verstappen may soon seek success elsewhere. Talking on the Sky Sport F1 podcast Backstage Pit Lane, Schumacher said:
“He’s only interested in having a good car,”
—Ralf Schumacher, Former F1 Driver and Pundit
He further elaborated on the challenges Red Bull faces without Adrian Newey and indicated Verstappen’s possible internal conflict due to his ties with Red Bull:
“That’s why I believe that the journey is going in the direction of Mercedes. I could imagine that he himself is still struggling because he is of course attached to Red Bull.”
—Ralf Schumacher, Former F1 Driver and Pundit
Speculations Over a Secret Meeting in Sardinia
Last week, rumors emerged that Verstappen and Toto Wolff met in Sardinia, aligning with Schumacher’s own information. The speculation intensified after yachts belonging to both Verstappen and Wolff were spotted arriving at the same harbor, which seemed to confirm the possibility of private discussions.
Schumacher noted the irony of choosing Sardinia for their meeting, given the strong presence of paparazzi in the area, which would hardly provide privacy:
“In Sardinia it’s always like this, when you end up there, the paparazzi already know, I know that from my own experience,”
—Ralf Schumacher, Former F1 Driver and Pundit
He also commented on how the proximity of the two boats fueled the rumors even further:
“They supposedly still stood next to each other, so you can also take care of rumours yourself. I could imagine that they met.”
—Ralf Schumacher, Former F1 Driver and Pundit
Mercedes’ Interest and Possible Signing Approval
Adding to the buzz, reports indicate that Mercedes chairman and CEO Ola Källenius has given the green light to pursue Verstappen’s signing. Should the deal materialize, this could mark a major shift in the Formula 1 landscape, potentially ending Verstappen’s successful tenure with Red Bull and elevating Mercedes’ chances for dominance starting in 2026.
The developments carry significant weight, given Verstappen’s status as a multiple world champion and Mercedes’ desire to rebuild their championship-winning team. The next months will likely prove critical in determining whether these rumors evolve into a confirmed move.
Fans and analysts alike remain on edge as they await official announcements that could reshape the grid and define the competitive dynamics of Formula 1 for years to come.