Max Verstappen Breaks Silence on Shock Mercedes Interest Amid Red Bull Drama

As we head towards the summer break, F1’s silly season has begun in shocking fashion. Ahead of the Austrian GP, George Russell broke his silence on why he hadn’t been given a new contract and conceded that Mercedes is in talks with four-time world champion Max Verstappen.

Toto Wolff had admitted in Austria that “conversations behind closed doors” were happening with Verstappen. However, as we approach the British GP, reports are emerging that Verstappen is in “concrete negotiations” with Mercedes, as talks have intensified.

Is Max Verstappen Mercedes-bound?

Max Verstappen is in concrete talks with Mercedes about joining the Silver Arrows with discussions in a “decisive phase“, according to a report from Sky Italia, despite the Dutchman being contracted to Red Bull until 2028.

Is George Russell Safe at Mercedes Amid Max Verstappen Exit Talk?

However, the report from Sky Italia suggests the Mercedes board is unsure if signing Verstappen is necessary. They believe they will have the best car in 2026 with the new regulation change. With that in mind, they are deliberating whether they need the calibre of Max Verstappen or are happy with their current drivers.

Sky Sports News claims Verstappen has not indicated he wants to leave Red Bull early. They also added that there hasn’t been an official approach from Mercedes for the reigning F1 world champion.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner doesn’t believe Max will leave. Speaking after the Austrian GP, he said: “We are very clear with the contract that we have with Max until 2028. So, anything is entirely speculative that is being said, but we tend not to pay too much attention to it.”

However, when Verstappen was pushed on his future, he declared: “I determine my own future.”

There is no smoke without fire, and it is clear Mercedes is interested in signing Max Verstappen for the 2026 season. The question remains whether Max will stay with Red Bull or seek a new challenge.

Max Verstappen’s reported exit clause in his contract explained

Max Verstappen signed his new contract in early 2022, following his first world title. The contract signed the Dutchman up until the end of the 2028 season. However, there is a reported exit clause in his contract.

Reports claim the clause is activated if Verstappen is below fourth place in the championship by the summer break, he is free to leave at the end of the season. Verstappen is currently third in the drivers’ championship, nine points clear of fourth-placed George Russell and 36 points ahead of fifth-placed Charles Leclerc.

Does Max Verstappen Have a Release Clause in His Contract With Red Bull Racing?

However, there is some discrepancy on which position Verstappen needs to be in to activate the clause. Other reports suggest that if the four-time world champion is outside the top three, he is free to leave.

Sky Sports News also report that if a team wishes to buy out Max Verstappen’s contract, they will need to pay a large sum of money. They claim the figure could be more than £100 million.

Will Max Verstappen leave Red Bull, the team that brought him his success, and join Mercedes? Leave your comments below.