Why Max Verstappen’s 2025 move to Mercedes ‘fell through’ amid Red Bull ‘truce’

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Mercedes have been trying to pull off a sensational move for world champion Max Verstappen. If they manage to do so, it would rival Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari in significance.

Verstappen’s Red Bull contract runs until the end of 2028, but it isn’t watertight. Toto Wolff has ‘hung around’ in case the Dutchman becomes immediately available.

As the end of the summer break approaches, Mercedes still haven’t confirmed their successor for Hamilton. Kimi Antonelli has a 99% chance, but it seems the Silver Arrows have been waiting for a definitive ‘no’ from Verstappen.

Wolff has publicly expressed his interest in Verstappen ever since learning of Hamilton’s exit. He wants to make amends for failing to sign him as a teenager, when Red Bull won the race.

The 26-year-old leads the world championship by 78 points heading into the final 10 rounds. He’s well on course to win a fourth consecutive title.

But there has been widely-publicised tension behind the scenes this year. Christian Horner has clashed with Jos Verstappen, fuelling the speculation.

Christian Horner and Helmut Marko ‘truce’ kept Max Verstappen at Red Bull

According to Auto Motor und Sport, ‘it briefly looked as if’ Horner wanted to oust one of Verstappen’s closest allies in Helmut Marko. The 61-time race-winner sees Marko, ‘his long-time sponsor’, as ‘important’.

In fact, Verstappen negotiated an exit clause that enabled him to leave if Marko moved on. With Horner viewing him as an ‘opponent in the power struggle’, his future was in doubt earlier this season.

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However, the two senior figures have now come to a ‘truce’ that serves the team’s interests. Marko has signed a contract extension and the ‘ice age’ with Horner is no more.

As such, Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes ‘fell through’. Wolff briefly had grounds for hope, but Horner potentially realised the importance of mending his relationship.

The Max Verstappen exit clause that could set up 2026 Mercedes move

While a 2025 swoop now looks out of the question, Wolff will try again ahead of the 2026 regulation changes. George Russell’s Mercedes future is uncertain amid the possibility of a Verstappen/Kimi Antonelli partnership.

Marko’s new deal removed one Verstappen exit clause, but there are others at play. Wolff has likely asked his camp about the key contractual details.

Verstappen is entitled to leave next year should he wish, though he’ll likely assess the competitive landscape before he does so. There are some doubts around Red Bull as they set up their own powertrains division.

But equally, Verstappen wants to assess the 2025 Mercedes chassis before he considers a move. He may be confident in the German manufacturer’s engine department, but have concerns about their aerodynamicists.