This week, Formula 1 fans and media have been buzzing with fresh rumours about Max Verstappen possibly switching teams. According to several reports, there have been informal talks between Verstappen and Mercedes about a potential move in the near future.

These stories are surprising to many, especially because Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said just a few weeks ago that renewing George Russell’s contract was “only a formality.” That statement made it sound like Mercedes already had its driver line-up settled. But with Verstappen’s name now in the mix, everything feels more uncertain again.

Understandably, Verstappen’s future has become one of the most talked-about topics in the paddock. The Dutch driver is a four-time world champion and currently one of the best on the grid. Any team would be lucky to have him. On one side, Mercedes seem to be leaving the door slightly open.

On the other, Red Bull are doing everything they can to show confidence that Max isn’t going anywhere. Team bosses Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have both said clearly that Verstappen is staying, and they point to the long-term contract he has with the team, which runs until the end of the 2028 season.

However, in Formula 1, long contracts often contain exit clauses, and behind-the-scenes negotiations are nothing new. While many still think that a transfer to Mercedes in 2026 is unlikely, the fact that these rumours continue to appear suggests that the idea isn’t completely unrealistic. It has even been reported that the first move didn’t come from Mercedes, but from Verstappen’s own team. According to sources close to the situation, it may have been Max’s camp that reached out to explore the possibility. That changes the dynamic entirely.

Adding fuel to the fire, Mercedes-Benz Group chairman Ola Källenius made some interesting comments during the Spanish Grand Prix. He said that “the best drivers want the best cars” and that Verstappen would “look good in silver.” While Källenius rarely speaks to the media, his words seemed carefully chosen and very deliberate. In Stuttgart, Verstappen is said to be highly respected, and the idea of him racing for Mercedes isn’t dismissed. If Mercedes can deliver the best package under the new 2026 regulations, bringing Max on board could be the key to returning to the top.

Mercedes have been planning carefully for the major regulation changes coming in 2026. Their power unit project is rumoured to be ahead of the competition, and this gives them confidence for the next era of Formula 1. If the team can produce a competitive car, having Verstappen in the cockpit could make a big difference.

But Verstappen’s arrival would come with serious consequences. Mercedes currently has two drivers: George Russell, who has grown into a team leader since Hamilton’s departure, and rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Both are part of a long-term Mercedes plan, supported by Toto Wolff since 2017. Russell joined the team’s junior programme that year, and Antonelli followed in 2019. Removing Russell, who is having one of his best seasons so far, would be a tough decision. He has consistently delivered strong results this year and carried the team during a transitional phase.

If Verstappen did join Mercedes and things didn’t go well straight away, he might be far less patient than Russell. Verstappen is known for his strong character and high expectations. That could be a challenge for team management. On the other hand, if Mercedes had the best car and Verstappen delivered victories, he would quickly become the face of the team’s new era. However, that would also mean that George Russell would not get the credit he arguably deserves for helping carry the team through the tough years.

Some believe Verstappen may not actually be planning to leave Red Bull but could be using the talks as a form of pressure. Since a scandal last year, there have been reported power struggles inside Red Bull, mainly between Christian Horner and Helmut Marko. Verstappen is known to be closer to Marko. By exploring options with Mercedes, Verstappen could be trying to weaken Horner’s influence or push the team towards internal changes. It’s also possible that Mercedes are using the situation to strengthen their own position in negotiations with their drivers. For example, it could be a way to keep Russell’s salary expectations under control by reminding him that other top drivers are available.

Right now, Verstappen still has a valid and powerful contract with Red Bull, and no official offer from Mercedes has been confirmed. Some journalists, like Erik van Haren from De Telegraaf, have said that despite all the noise, the situation hasn’t changed from the week before. That means no deal has been signed, and Verstappen has not given any clear signal that he wants to leave.