Red Bull Star Verstappen May Join Mercedes in 2026
Verstappen-Mercedes Talks Reportedly Enter Final Stage, Sky Sports Italy Reports
According to Sky Sports F1 Italy, negotiations between Red Bull driver Max Verstappen and the Mercedes team are ongoing and have reportedly reached an advanced stage. The report suggests that Verstappen is prepared to terminate his contract with the Austrian team ahead of the 2026 season.
While no official announcement has been made, sources indicate that the Dutch driver is seriously considering a departure from Red Bull. Should the move materialize, it is expected that Mercedes will part ways with one of its current drivers for the 2026 season.
At present, Mercedes' driver lineup consists of George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Both drivers are under contract with the team until the end of the 2025 season.
According to Sky Sports, should Verstappen make the switch to Mercedes, the most likely candidate to exit the team would be George Russell. However, the final decision rests with Mercedes management. Russell, who joined the team in 2022, has since become one of its key figures. The British driver recently claimed victory at the Canadian Grand Prix and currently sits fourth in the Drivers’ Championship standings.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, meanwhile, is competing in his debut Formula 1 season and has already made a strong impression by securing a podium finish.
