Max Verstappen was rumored to join Mercedes following Lewis Hamilton ‘s bombshell move to Ferrari. However, the Dutchman has a contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season. Hence, the 26-year-old would probably stick with Milton Keynes. Regardless, the three-time world could consider the move if Brackley provides better prospects in the coming seasons.
Amidst the ongoing rumors, Ex-F1 driver Robert Doornbos reckoned that Max Verstappen was already in talks to join Mercedes. Doornbos claimed that according to his sources, Verstappen had one-on-one conversations with Mercedes’ executives over a potential future move. Additionally, the Silver Arrows’ plans for their 2026 power units were one of the most important questions in this discussion.
I have heard from my reliable bird that Max is already having conversations with Mercedes, purely to see one-on-one what the feeling is for the future, What is Mercedes going to do with the engine is one of the most important questions that would have been discussed. Robert Doornbos said, as reported by Ziggo Sport.
Apart from this, Doornbos pointed that Verstappen knew the intricacies of the partnership between Red Bull and Ford for power units in 2026. The 42-year-old asserted that the 2026 season was a ‘crucial year’. Additionally, the former F1 driver claimed that something was happening behind the scenes which could lead to an influx of news in April. Although, Robert Doornbos did not specifically mention Max Verstappen.
He already knows what they will do at Ford and Red Bull in 2026. That is a crucial year. You can hardly imagine it, but something is happening behind the scenes. This will be an exciting month I think we will have a lot of news in April. Robert Doornbos noted.
Ex-F1 driver claims Red Bull could sign Carlos Sainz if Max Verstappen leaves
Max Verstappen’s move to Mercedes would open up a vacancy at Red Bull. Milton Keynes’ highly dominant challengers are enough to excite a driver to join the team. Giedo van der Garde reckoned that if such a situation arises, Carlos Sainz might be the prime candidate for replacement. Van der Garde also hinted that if Sainz had the chance to get into the best car, the Spaniard must take up the offer.
Sainz will of course talk to everyone. If I were him, I’d wait, If there is an option to get into the best car, the Red Bull… But if something happens to Max and he chooses another team, as Red Bull I would get Sainz. Giedo van der Garde said, as reported by planetf1.com.
However, van der Garde didn’t hesitate to acknowledge that as long as the three-time world champion was in the team, Carlos Sainz likely wouldn’t not be called up by the Austrian giant. Sainz and Verstappen had a controversial season as teammates in Toro Rosso almost a decade ago. Additionally, van der Garde stated that if Sergio Perez could stay for another two years at Red Bull if the Mexican continued his recent form.
As long as Verstappen is there, Sainz will not be there, I don’t believe that. That’s too much fuss. As long as Perez continues to drive next to Max as he is doing now, he can stay for another two years. Giedo van der Garde noted.
Regardless of the rumors, Max Verstappen will continue to race for Red Bull, keeping in mind the prospects presented to him. Additionally, Mercedes recently expressed that Kimi Antonelli was the prime candidate for Hamilton’s seat. Certainly, fans are up for an interesting silly season in the coming weeks.
More must-reads: