Lewis Hamilton had a successful 12-year stint with Mercedes, during which time he won six world championships. However, the Brit shocked the Formula 1 paddock last winter when he announced that he would leave the Silver Arrows and join Ferrari. This left a seat to fill with the Brackley-based team, and one name rumoured to be in contention was Hamilton’s arch rival Max Verstappen.
Hamilton and Verstappen clashed during the titanic 2021 championship, which Max won controversially. Ever since, there has supposedly been bad blood between the two greats of the sport. Mercedes F1 CEO Toto Wolff revealed that he didn’t pursue Verstappen while Lewis was still at Mercedes but this can now change.
Toto Wolff to chase Max Verstappen to drive for Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have a bitter rivalry, so much so, that Toto Wolff had to promise the Briton he would not sign the Dutchman to replace Hamilton. However, as Lewis is no longer contracted to Mercedes, Wolff believes he can go after Verstappen.
Despite Verstappen picking fights with Hamilton and current driver George Russell, Wolff is in no doubt adding Verstappen to the ranks would improve his lineup. He said: “I haven’t talked to him because I promised Lewis not to talk to him. But I will have the conversation now.”
Max Verstappen Addresses Rumours of Joining Aston Martin or Mercedes
Mercedes’ current lineup consists of George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli. Russell is the de facto team leader due to his experience in the sport. The pressure will be on him over the next season to push the team forwards. If he fails to perform this season, there is little doubt Mercedes could look elsewhere and in Verstappen’s direction.
Could Max Verstappen leave Red Bull?
How Red Bull will perform in the 2026 season is unknown. A new draft of regulations is being introduced while Red Bull is creating their power train for the first time. There are doubts whether Red Bull will have strong pace and this could push Max Verstappen to the exit door. Although Red Bull dismissed these claims during the 2024 season, there is no smoke without fire.
Mercedes is a possibility for the four-time world champion to join. However, Mercedes has struggled for pace over the last few seasons. If the Silver Arrows are not showing good enough pace, he wouldn’t leave Red Bull for a team which isn’t any faster.
Aston Martin Looking to Sign Max Verstappen After Adrian Newey Announcment
Another team rumoured to be interested in Verstappen’s services are Aston Martin. They believe the Dutchman will want to link up with design legend Adrian Newey. Newey is the mastermind behind Max’s championship winning cars and Verstappen might look to the 66-year-old to create another winning machine for him.
Max Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season. Leaving the team, which has brought him all his success over a possible bad season, seems unlikely, although stranger things have happened. It is certainly one to watch.
