Mercedes chairman has just given the ‘green light’ to Max Verstappen demand that could now lead to Red Bull exit

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Much has been made of rumours that Max Verstappen could join Mercedes ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

However, nothing has been confirmed yet, and there is still half of the 2025 calendar to unfold before the 2026 F1 regulations arrive.

Verstappen has every reason not to be the happiest of bunnies after failing to reach the podium in four of his last five races. Hopes of a fifth consecutive drivers’ championship are incredibly slim.

As is the nature of the Formula 1 driver market, rumours started long ago and continue to suggest that there’s a chance the Dutchman leaves Red Bull at the end of the season, despite holding a contract until 2028.

Verstappen insiders see his Red Bull buyout clause as ‘peanuts’ and don’t believe that £86 million would be much for Mercedes to pay.

However, due to the nature of their recent performance, Red Bull have created a ‘no-win’ Verstappen situation. How can they prove to him that their car will be competitive in the future?

READ MORE: Guenther Steiner predicts Max Verstappen to take one ‘big risk’ as he weighs up leaving Red Bull for Mercedes

Ola Kallenius has given the ‘green light’ for Mercedes to pursue Max Verstappen for 2026

Red Bull have made Verstappen’s car ‘undriveable’ according to the reigning champion’s own words, as he was frustrated at the British Grand Prix.

With just one Formula 1 race over the next month and a half, there’s plenty of time for the 27-year-old to mull over his options and decide what he wants to do with his future.

On the other side of the fence, Mercedes are yet to sign a driver for 2026. It’s clear that with both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli’s contracts expiring after Abu Dhabi, they’re keeping their options very open.

Now La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Mercedes president Ola Kallenius has given the ‘green light’ for the team to pursue Verstappen, despite the extra wages he will demand.

He would come at a sizeable cost compared to their current pairing but might be the added ingredient that is needed to win titles again.

It may be good timing with Verstappen forced to consider a Red Bull U-turn, after seeing that their power unit may still have one big issue heading into next season.

READ MORE: Jenson Button has mind blown by Max Verstappen moment he couldn’t ‘comprehend’ at the British Grand Prix

Max Verstappen has already been treating one F1 driver like his teammate in 2025

Verstappen has now gone five races without a victory, and doesn’t look like contending for one anytime soon.

Whether it’s bad luck or poor form, he has left points on the table over the last few rounds. In Austria, Antonelli swiped him out of the race, and in Silverstone, he spun, costing him a podium.

Verstappen is treating one driver like his teammate, says Juan Pablo Montoya, after producing a calm response to Antonelli hitting him in Spielberg.

Perhaps part of the Dutchman sympathises with the 18-year-old and the pressures on his shoulders. It’s a lot to take on such a big gig with the Silver Arrows at a young age.