Max Verstappen to Mercedes move lined up for 2026 with Jos Verstappen getting involved: Reports

F1 Grand Prix of United States - Sprint - Source: Getty
Max Verstappen with his father Jos Verstappen in the paddock during the Sprint Shootout ahead of the 2023 F1 US Grand Prix. (Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images)

Max Verstappen's father, Jos Verstappen, is reportedly involved in the F1 driver's potential Mercedes move in the 2026 F1 season. The three-time world champion's transfer to the Silver Arrows seems to have picked up pace in recent times.

As per F1 Insider, Mercedes continues to keep a connection to Verstappen's camp to lure him for the 2026 season. Furthermore, the report claims that Max's father and Toto Wolff had an unofficial agreement that his son would join the Silver Arrows in 2026. Even though Max's Red Bull contract runs till 2028, it is rumored that an exit clause will allow the three-time world champion to slip away.

Throughout the 2024 F1 season, several rumors surfaced that Max could leave Red Bull and go for Mercedes. The reasons behind these reports were internal turmoil in his team after team principal Christian Horner was accused of inappropriate behavior and the power struggle between Horner and senior advisor Helmut Marko. Additionally, many senior engineers left the team, which also contributed to their on-track performance dip in 2024.

On the other hand, Mercedes' star, Lewis Hamilton, announced that he would leave for Ferrari in 2025. This triggered the eight-time world champion team to find a new driver. Among many names, Max's popped up as well.

Toto Wolff publicly wooed the Dutchman and stated that any team would gladly hire him if he were available. At the beginning of the season, Jos was also seen speaking with Wolff after the Bahrain GP in the paddock, which fueled the rumors even more.

In August, however, the Silver Arrows decided to hire their junior driver, Kimi Antonelli as a permanent driver for the 2025 F1 season. The 18-year-old Italian will enter F1 with the German giants and race alongside George Russell. Though this move could have scrapped talks about Max, the rumors kept flowing.

As of now, neither Max Verstappen nor Mercedes or Red Bull, have officially announced anything regarding the move.


Max Verstappen addresses Toto Wolff's interest in hiring him for Mercedes

Back in the Dutch GP, Max Verstappen talked about Toto Wolff's interest in hiring him for his team.

Speaking in the post-qualifying press conference at Zandvoort, he clarified that he has a decent relationship with the Mercedes honcho and understands the situation he is facing regarding the driver lineup. However, Max said that he is not focused on any of it and simply aims to do his job well.

"No, I mean, everyone can say what they want. And I get on very well with Toto. I think he's very open about what's happening within his team, right? Also, I think with the driver line-up and stuff. So there's nothing wrong with that. And at the same time, also, I just focus on my job. There's a lot to do anyway. So, yeah, we just focus on that," he said.

As of now, Max Verstappen continues to lead the 2024 F1 drivers' championship after the Azerbaijan GP with 313 points. Meanwhile, McLaren's Lando Norris chases the Dutchman in the standings from second place (254 points).

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Edited by Hitesh Nigam
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