F1 Rumor: Report claims Verstappen to Mercedes deal imminent

(GMM) Max Verstappen’s future remains under intense scrutiny ahead of this weekend’s Belgian GP, as performance concerns and political turmoil swirl around the team following Christian Horner’s shock mid-season sacking.

Nelson Piquet Jr – former F1 driver, son of triple world champion Nelson Piquet, and brother of Verstappen’s girlfriend Kelly – had stirred headlines by implying Verstappen had already signed with Mercedes (see below).

As for reports that Toto Wolff and Verstappen met in Sardinia last week, “That’s just a place where people go on holiday,” Piquet Jr said on the Pelas Pistas podcast, referring to reports that Verstappen and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff moored their yachts side-by-side in Sardinia last week.

Toto Wolff’s and Max Verstappen’s Yachts near each other recently. Note the small boat used by Verstappen to go from his yacht to Wolff’s and vice versa

“Max just wants to be where he thinks he can win. Does money play a role? Of course, but the most important factor is that he wants to be in a good car.

“The only two choices he has are Red Bull and Mercedes,” he continued. “At McLaren, both drivers win, so yeah…”

As for the Horner firing, he added: “Maybe they sent Horner away to get him (Max) to stay, I don’t know. Maybe he’s already signed, but maybe he’s also already said no.”

Verstappen is reportedly set to decide his future by the end of August. Despite a long-term contract, Red Bull is not expected to block his departure, exit clauses or not.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown, never shy in his criticism of Horner, told TSN: “Maybe the timing is a surprise, but not the outcome. There’s been a lot of turmoil and tension over the last few years. It seems to have gotten worse.”

Brown added: “Given his age and his background in motorsport, I’d be surprised if he (Horner) didn’t reappear somewhere in the industry. But maybe he could be interested in managing a football team or something else.”

The Sun newspaper reports widespread unrest inside Red Bull, suggesting Horner allies may be behind the leaks. One employee said: “It was only a day after Christian was sacked and a lot of the team were still upset when Mr (Helmut) Marko addressed us. But he just made a joke of it and told us to cheer up – he said, ‘You need to smile more’.

“It didn’t endear him to anyone.”

New Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, seen as part of the most recent Austria-based power shift with Marko in the post-Dietrich Mateschitz era, also drew criticism. “Mintzlaff also said, ‘If you have any problems, just text your line manager’,” a staffer told the tabloid.

Family friends close to Horner, rumored to be sources of upcoming further leaks, say the long-serving team boss was blindsided. “He thought he’d been called in to speak about another issue,” one said, referring to his sacking in a London hotel.

“He was just told, ‘You have to be there’ and was dumbfounded when he was ushered into a room and effectively sacked on the spot.”

July 14, 2025

(GMM) Reports of face-to-face meetings between Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen off the coast of Sardinia were wide of the mark.

While tracking services showed that the Mercedes boss and the Red Bull driver’s respective yachts were in similar waters in recent days, photos of actual meetings have been found to be fake.

Bild newspaper reported speculation that the two boats were moored next to one another, but now insists: “That’s not true.”

The fact that they were in a similar area was “pure coincidence,” a Mercedes source added.

“The pair didn’t meet in Sardinia,” Bild insisted. “Nevertheless, the rumor mill in Formula 1 is still churning.”

Indeed, the Verstappen-to-Mercedes rumor is in overdrive in the wake of Christian Horner’s shock sacking by Red Bull. Some believe the move was engineered by Verstappen’s management camp, including his father Jos.

“I always want the best for Max,” Verstappen senior told De Telegraaf.

“If he isn’t doing well, he should look at the team to see why. And then at some point he will decide whether he wants to continue his career at Red Bull after this year.”

Ralf Schumacher, who had added fuel to the Verstappen-Wolff-Sardinia story, thinks the quadruple world champion is destined to leave Red Bull.

“I think it’s pretty clear what Max wants,” he told Sky Deutschland.

“We know GT3 is something he’s passionate about. Mercedes is also launching a new car in that category soon, so right now, it doesn’t feel like the odds are great for him staying.”

Former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos told Ziggo Sport: “In the coming weeks, we’ll see what Max decides. We’ll know something soon.”

July 11, 2025

As reported below, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has predicted that Max Verstappen will meet with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff this week.

On Friday, Verstappen’s private jet touched down in Sardinia, fueling further speculation on social media about the meeting Schumacher predicted.

“I think it’s pretty clear what Max wants,” Schumacher told Formel1.de.

“GT3 is something he’s passionate about. Mercedes is also launching a new car in that category soon, so… Right now, it doesn’t feel like the odds are great for him staying.

“I think on Sunday, it hit him that even he can’t save this anymore – and that really affected him. After the race, it was obvious to me. And once you feel like something is beyond saving, it’s hard to come back from that.

“It’s no coincidence either that this week, two yachts are cruising off Sardinia – one belongs to Toto Wolff, the other to Max Verstappen. And from what I hear, there’s a good chance they might have had a coffee together.

“But what defines Max is that he won’t take this decision lightly. He knows exactly who he owes his career to – besides himself and his father, of course – and that’s ultimately Red Bull, the team that brought him to where he is today.”

“Well, it certainly hasn’t decreased the chances of Verstappen leaving. That much I believe,” Schumacher said.

“But what matters to Max Verstappen is having a car that wins – or at least can win. Now it’s up to Laurent Mekies. I hope he can bring some peace to the team and restore that family atmosphere quickly. And I think he can.

“I’m quite sure that everyone will take a deep breath now. And then we’ll see. The problem is: I’m struggling to imagine how [Red Bull Technical Lead] Pierre Wache is suddenly supposed to build a car that’s genuinely fast. I do believe that the car, in the wind tunnel – purely based on its data, without wind or roll effects – looks excellent.

“But the difference between him and Adrian Newey is that Adrian knows what happens when the wind hits from the side, when the car rotates, shifts, reacts. He knows which compromises to make so the car stays drivable.

“I’m still having a hard time seeing how Wache can do that – and how he’s going to convince Max to stay. Because this season won’t turn around anymore, and Max wants to win again. I’m sure of that.

“It’s quite simple. If he does stay, I don’t think it’ll be just for 2026—he’d stay beyond that. Otherwise, I believe he’ll announce a move this year. I think that announcement will come after the summer break.”

Will Max Verstappen drive for Mercedes in 2026?

July 11, 2025

(GMM) With Christian Horner no longer a factor, all eyes are back on Max Verstappen’s next move in Formula 1.

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher says he witnessed the final argument between Max’s father Jos and Horner at Silverstone, with Bild newspaper revealing how the exchange ended.

“I’ll keep the pressure on you, Christian,” Jos reportedly said.

Days later, with Red Bull’s Thai co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya no longer able to protect Horner after diluting his 51 percent control by 2pc, Horner is gone.

Max Verstappen, meanwhile, was heading to Sardinia.

“It is no coincidence that this week there are two yachts off the coast of Sardinia,” Schumacher told motorsport-total.com. “One belongs to Toto Wolff, and the other to Max Verstappen.

“I can imagine them drinking coffee together.”

Speaking to Formel1.de, the former F1 driver is adamant that we will get a resolution to Verstappen’s saga within the next couple of months, stating, “We still have time until the summer break. He’ll announce his results or his decision during the summer break, I’m sure of that.”

Some think Horner’s exit was the result of an ultimatum the Verstappen camp made to Red Bull, although former F1 driver Christijan Albers is not so sure.

“I don’t believe Max said ‘he’s out or I’m out’,” he told the Dutch publication Formule 1. “That’s not how he is.

“I do think he made it clear that things have to change. Red Bull is nothing without Max, and that’s not how it should be at a top team, of course.”

Former Haas team boss Gunther Steiner thinks Verstappen, 27, will wait at Red Bull at least long enough to assess what changes in the new Laurent Mekies era.

“I believe he’ll stay where he is next year,” Steiner told sport.de.

“There will be completely new regulations – nobody knows who will be where. Switching now and signing a long-term contract is too much of a risk.”

A move for 2027 makes much more sense, Steiner added.

“Logically, you have a good chance of getting into the best car if you’re the best driver,” he said. “That’s just how it works in Formula 1.

“Max will calmly analyze next year who has the best package.”

Fascinatingly, though, a very well-placed insider has let slip that the quadruple world champion’s decision may already have been made.

Discussing Mercedes’ current performance on the Pelas Pistas Podcast, Nelson Piquet jr said: “There are weekends this year where things just don’t work out for Mercedes.

“But who knows what will happen next year, when Max is driving there,” the former F1 driver added.

Piquet, 39, is not only the son of F1 legend Nelson Piquet senior, but the older brother of Verstappen’s girlfriend Kelly.

After letting slip that Verstappen will be “driving there” at Mercedes in 2026, he immediately hit reverse gear. “I think he’ll make a decision in August.”

Editor’s Note: If Verstappen does indeed sign with Mercedes, we predict his teammate will be George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli will be loaned out to another team, probably Alpine since Alpine will race with Mercedes engines starting next year. Russell appears to have been given verbal assurances by Toto Wolff that he will be retained; Russell speaks very matter-of-factly about that.

July 10, 2025

It is time to bump this rumor up to ‘strong’ today. Max Verstappen’s brother-inlaw (well not quite) Nelson Piquet Jr. discussed Mercedes’ chances in 2026 during the Pelas Pistas Podcast. and he let slip where Max Verstappen will be driving next year.

There are weekends this year when things just don’t work out. There’s not much to do about it. One of their drivers is a rookie, who was then unfortunately hit by Hadjar last weekend. In any case, it was not the weekend for Mercedes. But who knows what next year might bring when Max is driving there!

Piquet to realize he should not have let the cat out of the bag, as he immediately shut up after this statement. However, the podcast host immediately picked up on it. Although the 39-year-old emphasized that nothing has been contractually established yet, he did highlight that Mercedes is a logical choice.

The former F1 driver was also certain about who should join Verstappen if he moves to Mercedes. “It will be Kimi Antonelli. If he goes there, it will be Antonelli,” he stated decisively.

July 3, 2025

The F1 media swarmed and fawned over Max Verstappen Thursday during the 2025 British GP media day. Everyone wants to know if Verstappen is really leaving Red Bull after 2025.

Max Verstappen about his future: “I do not talk about my contract. No decision has been made at the moment. For me, it is not about 2026 or anything. I just concentrate on what is coming and the cooperation with the team. Of course, many people come with assumptions. That certainly does not come from me. As I said last week, that’s all I can say about it. I don’t think anyone can say with 100 percent certainty that they’ll will feel completely comfortable next year. There are so many unknowns for next year anyway. The only thing I can do is drive as fast as I can with what I have.”

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal of Scuderia Ferrari prior to the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on March 23, 2025 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

July 2, 2025

Sky Sport Italia, the official broadcaster of Formula 1 in Italy, has reported a deal to bring Max Verstappen to Mercedes is imminent and awaiting approval from the board.

According to the report, Verstappen has agreed to an offer from the German marque’s F1 boss Toto Wolff.

The Dutchman is currently contracted to Red Bull through to 2028. However, contract clauses leave the door open for an early exit.

According to the Sky Sport Italia report, Mercedes incumbent George Russell would make way for Verstappen to partner Kimi Antonelli.

Russell is off-contract, and although Mercedes boss Wolff said he is happy with the Brit, the opportunity to hire four-time world champion Verstappen may well be irresistible.

The team principal has made it no secret that he would like to have Verstappen in the Silver Arrows camp.

“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, the best engineers, the best pit crew, and that’s what Mercedes are chasing,” said current Mercedes driver George Russell.

“So, it’s only normal that conversations with the likes of Verstappen are ongoing. I feel with the performance I’m showing at the moment, I’ve got zero reasons to be worried.”