Lando Norris
McLaren
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
Max Verstappen’s destiny is in his own hands heading into Formula 1’s summer break as he quarrels over what to do for the 2026 season.
The Dutchman may have three and a half years left on his current Red Bull deal, but he has been the subject of intense speculation recently.
A failed charge for a fifth consecutive drivers’ championship could frustrate him and convince him to move elsewhere.
However, Verstappen has spent his entire career within the Red Bull family, and walking away would be a tough decision. Especially on the eve of the 2026 F1 regulations.
Mercedes shareholders fear ‘snatching’ Verstappen and believe that it could be bad for their image. Opportunities like this don’t pop up regularly, though.
Another issue is that Mercedes face a Kimi Antonelli dilemma and must figure out what to do with their young talent after investing so much in him. He cannot just be abandoned.
Mercedes think dropping Kimi Antonelli for Max Verstappen would give him protection ‘advantage’
Verstappen’s move to Mercedes is close according to Juan Pablo Montoya, who believes that a contract is being prepared.
The numbers involved could end up being some of the biggest in Formula 1 history, but there are other matters to consider in the situation.
Signing the 27-year-old would mean dropping one of their two current drivers. It would be particularly harsh on George Russell, who has led the team well and scored a win just a few weeks ago.
That leaves Antonelli, who was thrust into the Silver Arrows setup for his debut campaign. He has been impressive at times, although his stay may be short-lived.
Auto Motor und Sport reports that Mercedes see an ‘advantage’ in dropping Antonelli to the Alpine team if they sign Verstappen.
They believe that it would protect him from the dangers of being partnered with such a ruthless talent in just his second season.
READ MORE: Max Verstappen admits to making one change that is not ‘easy’ at Red Bull after team radio outbursts
How Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 journey has come full circle since 2014
Back in 2014, before signing with the Red Bull driver academy, Verstappen had the opportunity to join Mercedes’ ranks instead.
The German manufacturer’s plan was to put him through Formula 2, before progressing to Formula 1 thereafter.
Red Bull’s idea was to chuck him straight in at Toro Rosso in Formula 1, which paid off handsomely, and saw him promoted to their senior team midway through his second campaign.
Whether he would have achieved so much by opting for Mercedes is a good question, but one that will go unsolved. Nico Rosberg’s 2016 retirement could have created an opening.
However, there’s no guarantee that the team would have given him the role. It could have ended in so many different ways.
Receive exclusive F1 news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
