F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali now ‘pretty sure’ he knows who Max Verstappen wants to drive for next season

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Max Verstappen is weighing up his options in Formula 1 as his future with Red Bull is in serious doubt.

The four-time champion has been growing frustrated with the Milton Keynes outfit and their regression in 2025. Verstappen has lost confidence in the technical department as he finds the RB21 tough to drive, having seen little improvement from their upgrades.

His retirement at the Austrian Grand Prix has put him out of the title race, in many people’s eyes, as he is 61 points behind Oscar Piastri. Verstappen appeared to say ‘goodbye’ to Red Bull as he was relaxed and waved to the crowd after the crash with Kimi Antonelli.

Toto Wolff and George Russell confirmed that Mercedes are in talks with Verstappen as they work on a deal for the Dutchman. Russell and Kimi Antonelli are out of contract in 2025, opening the door for the Silver Arrows to make a sensational move in the F1 driver market.

They may be on their way to doing just that, as Verstappen has reportedly ‘said yes’ to Mercedes and a proposal made by Wolff. It has now led to speculation as to when that deal will go through, and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is ‘pretty sure’ he has the answer.

Stefano Domenicali is ‘pretty sure’ Max Verstappen will drive for Red Bull in 2026

Verstappen is contracted until 2028 at Red Bull, but there is a get-out clause that allows him to leave if he is outside the top two in the championship. Verstappen can activate that exit clause after the Austrian GP, with him currently sat third in the standings.

Red Bull insiders believe Verstappen will have to pay nine figures to break his contract and join Mercedes. But Domenicali does not think the 27-year-old will be on the move just yet, as he says he will stay at Red Bull in 2026.

“I think if I’m not careful on what my saying, everyone can have a different opinion about it,” he said via Sky Sports.

“For sure, it’s great to see Max, that is one of the best drivers with no doubt. [He] will have different opportunities, but I’m pretty sure that he wants to stay at Red Bull.

“So, very political answer and hopefully he’s going to have fun and enjoy and fight for the win because that’s what he deserves.”

Verstappen is not expected to leave Red Bull until 2027, as he wants to wait and see where each team stands with the new technical regulations. The Milton Keynes outfit will bring their power unit with Ford to the sport next year, while Verstappen doubts that Mercedes will have the fastest engine.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Who will be Max Verstappen’s teammate if he joins Mercedes?

The question most people will be wondering is about whether Russell or Antonelli will be partnered with Verstappen if, or when, he joins Mercedes. The former is enjoying his best form in F1 to date, while the latter is a serious talent hyped by the Silver Arrows for the future.

Wolff would prefer Antonelli to partner with Verstappen, leaving Russell on the sidelines. The Brit is not shy of suitors, with Aston Martin and Cadillac mentioned as interested in his signature.

There is a chance that the Brit could keep his seat, although some Mercedes staff are predicting ‘mayhem’ if Russell and Verstappen are paired up as teammates. The duo have been feuding since the end of last season due to various on-and-off-track disagreements.

Mercedes could send Antonelli to Alpine as the Enstone outfit work out who to partner Pierre Gasly with in 2026. Alternatively, Antonelli could copy Fernando Alonso and spend a season on the bench; the two-time champion took a season out from Minardi before joining Renault in 2003.