Max Verstappen: Mercedes Talks Reportedly Advance

With the British GP just days away, reports continue to emerge about contract negotiations between Max Verstappen and Mercedes. A blockbuster move for the 4-time Champion, whilst certainly not guaranteed, is not out of question.

Mercedes and Verstappen contract talks continue

For the last few weeks, the evolving relationship between Max Verstappen and Mercedes has been a major talking point.

Initially, the Dutchman’s conversations with the Silver Arrows were not seen as evidence of anything consequential.

After all, even at this stage last year, Toto Wolff made his admiration for Verstappen clear.

As Red Bull lost ground to McLaren, the Mercedes team principal probed the Dutchman’s openness to switching allegiances.

At the time, Red Bull’s struggles were not enough to dissuade the 27-year-old from leaving.

Mercedes then took a risk and signed Kimi Antonelli – a decision that appears to have paid dividends.

It was assumed a similar situation would transpire this year, with Mercedes briefly speaking to Verstappen before ruling him out as an option and extending Russell’s contract.

However, as time has passed, it has become increasingly clear that things are very different compared to last year.

The fact George Russell is yet to receive a new contract – especially in the context of his performances in 2025 – can only mean Mercedes are pursuing a driver they perceive as being at a higher level.

Verstappen is likely the only driver who Toto Wolff sees as good enough to replace the British driver.

At last weekend’s Austrian GP, the Mercedes team principal evaded several opportunities to confirm Russell’s continuation at the team.

He did the same even after Russell’s triumph at the Canadian GP.

Because of this, reports from Sky Italy about advancing talks between Verstappen and the Silver Arrows are not necessarily a surprise.

Toto Wolff’s consistent tip-toing around the issue of his 2026 driver line-up was always an indication – albeit an unclear one – that Russell’s position was at risk.

The #63 driver himself has been relatively transparent about his awkward contractual situation.

He even mentioned Verstappen directly last weekend in Austria:

“As Mercedes, they want to be back on top.

“And if you’re going to be back on top, you need to make sure you’ve got the best drivers,” Russell explained.

“The best engineers, the best pit crew. That’s what Mercedes are chasing.

“So it’s only normal that conversations with the likes of Verstappen are ongoing.”

The summer break will be a turning point

For several reasons, the summer break is set to be decisive in any negotiations between Verstappen and Mercedes.

Traditionally, any unresolved contract situations are solved during the summer anyway – serving as a convenient time for team’s to finalise their driver line-ups for the following year.

In this specific case, however, the summer period could be even more significant.

Verstappen is understood to have a contract clause which allows him to leave Red Bull under certain conditions.

Although his contract is not publicly known, it is widely believed that Verstappen can leave the Milton Keynes outfit if he is below third in the drivers’ standings by the summer break.

Should this be the case, it would explain why there have been no definitive changes in this saga.

To be clear, it would be a mistake to assume that Verstappen is guaranteed to leave Red Bull by 2026.

There are many scenarios where departing – either by choice or contractual obligation – will not be possible.

Still, it is no secret that Mercedes are expected to be front-runners when next year’s regulations come into effect – certainly more so than Red Bull.

In this case, it would be understandable if the reigning Champion decides to capitalise on any opportunity to leave.