Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 world champion, has issued a caution regarding Max Verstappen’s rumored move to Mercedes in 2026. Button raised doubts about whether the German team would build their car around Verstappen, as Red Bull currently does, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding such a transition. The Max Verstappen Mercedes switch warning centers on the challenge Verstappen might face adapting to a vehicle not tailored specifically to his driving style.
Since joining Red Bull in 2016, Verstappen has been the focal point of the Milton Keynes-based team’s development efforts. The Dutch driver has secured four world championships with the outfit and produced exceptional performances even when the RB21 car has been inconsistent this season. While Verstappen consistently outperforms his teammates, including Yuki Tsunoda who has found the RB21 difficult to manage, questions remain about whether he can replicate this success elsewhere.
Concerns over Mercedes’ car design and Verstappen’s compatibility
Button elaborated on the complexities Verstappen would face if he switched to Mercedes, stating the current Red Bull cars are designed specifically around Verstappen’s driving style. He highlighted the significant gap in performance between Verstappen and his teammates at Red Bull, who often qualify far behind him.
“It’s a tricky one for Max, because he’s in a position where he’s doing so well with Red Bull – they’ve given him so much over the years. They’ve designed this car around him, and he’s extremely good at it. Nobody can match him in that car. They’re so far off him. I mean, him qualifying third or fourth, and them qualifying 18th.” —Jenson Button, 2009 Formula 1 World Champion
Button added that Mercedes is a very different environment, where the car would not be developed with Verstappen’s preferences as the primary focus, leaving uncertainty about his potential success with the team.
“If he goes to Mercedes, it’s a different thing altogether. You know, that car is not going to be designed around him. So, is it going to work for him? I don’t know.” —Jenson Button, 2009 Formula 1 World Champion
Though Verstappen’s current Red Bull contract runs through 2028, ongoing speculation links him to a future with the Toto Wolff-led Mercedes outfit, intensifying discussions about how such a move might influence his career.
Replacing George Russell with Verstappen viewed as a difficult decision
Among the rumors surrounding Verstappen’s possible Mercedes transfer is the notion that he could replace George Russell, whose contract expires after the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Button described this as a problematic prospect given Russell’s strong form and competitiveness.
Russell has delivered impressive results this season, including a victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, making him one of the few drivers outside the McLaren team to claim a win. He has accumulated 147 points and consistently demonstrated championship-level performance, especially in his rivalry with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
“It’s a tough one on George, because George is at the top of his game. I think he’s been so competitive. When you see what he did against Lewis [Hamilton] in the last few years, he is World Championship material. So, to replace him with Max, it just seems like a strange move.” —Jenson Button, 2009 Formula 1 World Champion
Russell’s rookie teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli has had a mixed season, suffering several on-track errors and scoring significantly fewer points. This contrast highlights the difficult choices Mercedes faces if Verstappen joins the team, raising questions about the future driver lineup.
Implications of Verstappen’s potential move for the Formula 1 landscape
The possible arrival of Verstappen at Mercedes could shake up the Formula 1 driver market and team dynamics. While Verstappen has dominated at Red Bull by racing vehicles engineered around him, joining Mercedes may require adapting to a different technical approach and team culture. This transition could impact his performance and the competitive balance within the sport.
Meanwhile, George Russell’s position appears uncertain if Verstappen arrives, creating speculation about Mercedes’ long-term driver strategy. How Mercedes manages this situation will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as it could influence championship battles going forward.
Ultimately, Verstappen’s next steps carry significant weight for both his career and Mercedes’ prospects, underscoring why Button’s warning about the complexities of such a switch has sparked broad interest within Formula 1 circles.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, the number 13 is permitted. Pastor Maldonado chose #13 when the fixed number system started in 2014. While some cultures see 13 as unlucky, F1 lets drivers decide.
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A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British Formula One driver. He races for Mercedes and has previously raced for McLaren. Hamilton openly talks about living with ADHD and shares his wide-ranging interests and hobbies.
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A. Drivers can pick a permanent number between 0 and 99, but not 1. Only the World Drivers’ Champion can use number 1, but it’s optional for them.
Q. Which F1 drivers have ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, whose full name is Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton, is a British driver born in 1985. He races in Formula One for Mercedes and has previously driven for McLaren. Hamilton openly talks about his experiences with ADHD and shares his various interests and hobbies.