Eddie Jordan is ‘hearing’ that Max Verstappen will join ‘very strong’ F1 team in 2026

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World champion Max Verstappen is staying at Red Bull until at least the end of 2025. That much has become clear.

Ever since Lewis Hamilton confirmed his Ferrari move in February, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has done all he can to pull off the unlikeliest of moves. Wolff offered Verstappen a world-record salary, but it wasn’t enough.

Verstappen will remain at Red Bull, for now at least, and his leading suitors have finally accepted it. Mercedes have signed Kimi Antonelli to a multi-year deal, turning to their far more realistic plan-b.

But even if Christian Horner has seen off the immediate threat, he still needs to convince his superstar driver to stay for 2026. F1 teams are facing some of the biggest regulation changes in the sport’s recent history, and Red Bull’s task is even more difficult as they set up their own powertrains division.

Verstappen has an exit clause in his contract ahead of the rule reset. Clearly, he wanted the opportunity to assess the competitive landscape before deciding which horse to back.

Regulation changes often trigger changes in the pecking order. Mercedes stole a march on their rivals in 2014 and wouldn’t be caught for seven years, while Red Bull mastered the ‘ground effect’ generation of cars in 2022.

Eddie Jordan believes Mercedes will sign Max Verstappen in 2026

Speaking on the Formula for Success podcast, former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan predicted that Verstappen would join Mercedes in around 18 months’ time. This is based on what his contacts are telling him, rather than a simple hunch.

He believes Mercedes are well-placed to thrive under the 2026 regulations. As such, Verstappen won’t be the only one eyeing a move to Brackley.

Jordan isn’t alone in this view. Carlos Sainz expects Mercedes to have the best engine, which is partly why he’s chosen to join Williams.

“To be very honest with you, I see Mercedes being very strong in 26, and that’s why I think people should [and] will rush to go there,” Jordan said. “And the question I’d like you to ask me is, who do I think is going to be in Mercedes in 26? From what I’m hearing, I’m having to say Max.”

Max Verstappen has also held talks with Aston Martin

If Verstappen makes himself available, Mercedes will surely pounce. But that will present Wolff with a dilemma.

George Russell is out of contract, so he naturally seems like the driver at risk. But that would mean axing a proven race-winner in favour of Antonelli, who’s likely to make a steady start in F1 in 2025.

A move to Aston Martin could throw up similar complications. Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso signed a new contract earlier this year that should see him race until he’s at least 45.

Theoretically, Lawrence Stroll could form a devastating Verstappen-Alonso line-up. But he’s unlikely to oust his own son Lance despite the 25-year-old’s inconsistent performances.

Verstappen has held talks with Aston Martin over a potential move amid their impressive recruitment drive. But that one might make more sense in 2027, when he’s had a year to assess their partnership with Honda and Alonso has potentially retired.