Max Verstappen to Mercedes Rumours Gather Pace as Toto Wolff Confirms Talks

The prospect of Max Verstappen to Mercedes in 2026 has taken a fresh twist after team boss Toto Wolff admitted that discussions have taken place with the reigning Formula 1 world champion’s management.



While Wolff has repeatedly stressed his confidence in Mercedes’ current line-up, he acknowledged that Verstappen’s uncertain future with Red Bull meant the door could not be completely closed.



Wolff: ‘We talked to him too’



Speaking to media ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix in early August, Wolff said:



“I’ve always said I’m happy with my team, with Russell and Kimi Antonelli… but suddenly Max’s future became uncertain, so we talked to him too.”



The comment marked the first public confirmation that Mercedes had made direct contact over a possible Verstappen move.



However, Wolff was quick to reassure George Russell of his position, adding:



“I told George that he is our man for the future, nothing has changed there.”



Contract Clauses Spark Speculation



Verstappen’s long-term Red Bull contract reportedly contains performance and management clauses allowing him to assess his position under certain circumstances.



Following a turbulent period within Red Bull’s leadership and management structure earlier this year, rumours began to swirl about whether Verstappen might be tempted to leave.



Mercedes, rebuilding after Lewis Hamilton’s departure at the end of 2025, is seen as one of the few teams capable of matching Verstappen’s ambitions.



Wolff Previously Played Down Chances



Just weeks earlier, Wolff had moved to temper expectations, telling reporters at the Austrian Grand Prix in June:



“There is no such thing as saying ‘we are going to sign Max.’ We have George and Kimi for the future, and that is the plan.”



This apparent shift in tone — from dismissing the possibility to acknowledging conversations — has fuelled the Max Verstappen to Mercedes speculation.



Verstappen Remains Non-Committal



The Dutch driver has so far remained coy when asked directly about the rumours.



“I’m focused on winning races with Red Bull right now,” Verstappen said during the summer break.



“There’s always speculation in Formula 1, but I’m just concentrating on my performance.”



Insiders in the paddock believe that while Verstappen is not actively seeking an exit, the uncertainty within Red Bull means he is keeping all options open.



A Potential 2026 Power Shift



The 2026 season will usher in new Formula 1 regulations, including major changes to power units and chassis design.



Mercedes has been working on an all-new car concept for the new era, and Verstappen’s driving talent could make him the ideal centrepiece for their next championship push.



If a move were to happen, it would represent one of the biggest driver transfers in recent F1 history — rivalled only by Hamilton’s own switch to Mercedes in 2013.



What Comes Next



No deal is expected to be announced before the end of the current season, but the combination of confirmed talks, contract flexibility, and Red Bull’s internal turbulence means the Max Verstappen to Mercedes storyline is unlikely to disappear any time soon.



For now, the reigning champion’s focus remains on the track — but the whispers in the paddock suggest the 2026 grid could look very different indeed.
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