Max Verstappen may now be ‘using’ Mercedes interest to force Red Bull to grant his biggest demand

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Max Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes has gathered plenty of steam in the last week. But the picture is complicated.

First and foremost, he has a contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028. Verstappen’s deal is believed to contain an exit clause, but it’s unclear exactly what it entails or whether it will be active this season.

Mercedes may have to pay nine figures to buy out Verstappen, in addition to the cost of his salary. When fellow superstar Lewis Hamilton left Brackley for Maranello, he was simply able to opt out of the second year of his deal.

What’s more, Verstappen may not want to move in 2026. Despite paddock optimism over Mercedes’ chances, it would be extremely risky to change teams before he’s seen the pecking order under the new regulations.

And then there’s Mercedes’ existing driver pair. Toto Wolff could risk ‘mayhem’ if he partners Verstappen and George Russell, who’s clearly stronger than Kimi Antonelli right now but has clashed with the reigning champion in recent months.

Max Verstappen may see Mercedes interest as leverage to force Red Bull restructure

Surprisingly, it’s emerged that Verstappen made first contact with Mercedes, rather than the other way around. This could be due to frustration with Red Bull’s regression.

But Motorsport Italy floats another ‘possible scenario’. The 27-year-old may be ‘using’ his Mercedes talks as leverage.

Verstappen wants Christian Horner’s power reduced as part of a restructuring at Milton Keynes. He clearly thinks an end to the Englishman’s ‘monarchy’ is necessary for the team to compete going forward.

Wolff could inadvertently hand him the ultimate trump card. Verstappen can threaten to leave – a dreaded outcome – unless Red Bull agree to his game-changing demand.

Toto Wolff could have a big problem if Max Verstappen is playing a game

There is surely part of Verstappen that’s giving serious consideration to this move. Mercedes are believed to have the upper hand with their 2026 engine, so it could be a ticket to another period of dominance.

But Wolff should be aware that the consequences of pursuing Verstappen and missing out could be significant. He risks alienating one or both of his highly-rated drivers.

The latest rumour is that Wolff could send Antonelli to Alpine to make room. And Russell is facing an uncertain future even though he’s arguably been one of the standout drivers on the grid this year.

By refusing to commit to either driver, the Austrian is making clear that, while he rates them highly, he doesn’t see either as the best of the best. That could create a lasting divide.