Max Verstappen to Mercedes: Rumors, Denial & Full Timeline

Max Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes in 2026 was backed by credible reports from Sky Sports and ESPN, but it never materialized. Here is why the talks fizzled and why the four-time world champion is staying at Red Bull.

Current contract: Red Bull until end of 2028 · Mercedes team principal quote: “not on” – Toto Wolff, March 2026 · Most recent public status: Talks reported mid-2025, ruled out by Wolff in 2026 · Max’s position: Open to switch in 2026 per Sky Italy, July 2025

Six key facts summarise the current state of Max Verstappen’s contract and the Mercedes rumor status:

Did Max Verstappen try to join Mercedes?

What triggered the 2025 talks between Verstappen and Mercedes?

The short answer: yes — but not in a formal, contract-offer way. In December 2025, Verstappen told Formula1.com, the sport’s official website: “There had been talks about Mercedes, but they were friendly and open.” He described them as discussions, not negotiations. Sky Sports reported in mid-2025 that Wolff had confirmed Mercedes’ interest in signing Verstappen for 2026, and that Wolff was open to pairing him with George Russell.

The timeline: Sky Italy reported in July 2025 that discussions were intensifying. At that point, Verstappen was third in the standings, nine points ahead of George Russell, according to ESPN, the U.S. sports giant. That placed him inside the contract exit clause — if he fell below third in the championship by the summer break, he could trigger a Red Bull release. He didn’t trigger it.

The pattern: Verstappen has always been loyal to Red Bull since his promotion from Toro Rosso in 2016. Turning down a Mercedes junior offer early in his career set the tone. The 2025 talks were a continuation of that relationship being tested, but never broken.

Is Max going to Mercedes in 2026?

Toto Wolff’s March 2026 denial

By March 2026, the question had a definitive answer. Toto Wolff told ESPN that signing Verstappen was “not on.” That statement closed the door — at least publicly. Wolff had earlier told Sky Sports he would decide Mercedes’ 2026 driver lineup during the summer break after the Hungarian Grand Prix. But Verstappen ended the speculation himself before that break, confirming he would drive for Red Bull in 2026 in an interview with Formula1.com.

Verstappen’s Red Bull contract and 2026 plans

Verstappen repeatedly declined to comment on the Mercedes rumors during the 2025 summer cycle, as ESPN noted. But in December 2025, he told Formula1.com: “I think it’s time to basically stop all the rumours, and for me it’s always been quite clear that I was staying anyway.” He added that any future move would depend on “multiple factors” beyond just Formula 1, hinting that a 2027 or 2028 switch remains theoretically possible — just not for 2026.

The implication: Mercedes must now find another driver while Verstappen focuses on Red Bull.

Why did Verstappen reject Mercedes?

Verstappen’s early Red Bull decision

This question is often misunderstood. Verstappen didn’t reject Mercedes in 2025 — he rejected them earlier, before his F1 career took off. According to Formula1.com’s profile of his career, Verstappen turned down a Mercedes junior program offer to join Red Bull’s development system. He cited team culture, trust, and the path to a race seat as key factors.

Factors influencing his loyalty

That same loyalty kept him with Red Bull through the 2025 talks. He told Formula1.com: “I think it’s time to basically stop all the rumours… for me it’s always been quite clear that I was staying anyway.” The “friendly and open” talks with Mercedes never crossed into serious contract territory, partly because Verstappen values stability and the long-term trust built with Red Bull since 2016.

The implication: Verstappen’s career path shows a man who values control and loyalty over short-term opportunities. Mercedes offered the chance to join a historic team, but Red Bull gave him the platform to win four consecutive titles.

Who is richer, Verstappen or Hamilton?

Two of the sport’s wealthiest drivers, but with different sources of income. The table below compares net worth estimates and earnings.

The pattern: Hamilton’s higher net worth stems from longer career, higher earning potential during his peak Mercedes years, and off-track business empire. Verstappen, at 28, is still building his post-racing wealth. For fans asking “Is Max going to chase Hamilton’s money?”, the answer is no — his compensation at Red Bull is already top-tier, and he’s not known to prioritise earnings over driving.

Is Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull or F1?

Verstappen’s 2027 outlook

No. Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, as reported by Sky Sports. While the contract includes performance-based exit clauses (such as finishing lower than third in the championship by the summer break), he has not triggered any. He remains fully committed to Red Bull through at least 2028.

F1 departure rumors

Rumors of Verstappen leaving Formula 1 altogether have surfaced from time to time, often tied to his interest in other racing series or dissatisfaction with F1’s direction. However, no official indication suggests he will leave before 2027. His comments to Formula1.com about “multiple factors” outside F1 suggest he may eventually consider a change — but not in the near term.

The catch: Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull remains solid for now, but future moves are not off the table.

Why can’t Lamborghini join F1?

Lamborghini’s current F1 involvement

Lamborghini is not a full F1 team, but it does supply engines — albeit under a different brand. The Italian manufacturer currently provides power units to the F1 Academy and has a technical partnership with a team in the LMDh category (Hypercar). It has never fielded its own F1 team.

Challenges for a full team entry

The barriers are both financial and strategic. A new F1 team entry requires an anti-dilution fee (currently around $200 million) plus hundreds of millions in annual operating costs. Lamborghini’s parent company, Volkswagen Group, has historically been reluctant to commit to F1 at the same level as competitors. The cost-benefit analysis doesn’t stack up for a brand that already benefits from F1 exposure through its customer relationships.

The trade-off: Lamborghini can leverage F1’s halo effect without the massive expense of fielding its own team — likely the smartest move for a luxury manufacturer that doesn’t need F1 to sell cars.

What the key figures are saying

“I think it’s time to basically stop all the rumours, and for me it’s always been quite clear that I was staying anyway.”

— Max Verstappen, speaking to Formula1.com (December 2025)

“Max Verstappen is not on.”

— Toto Wolff, quoted by ESPN (March 2026)

Two statements, six months apart, bookend the entire saga. Verstappen’s was a patient close; Wolff’s was a blunt finality. Between them, the speculation grew and faded without ever leaving a paper trail beyond “friendly and open” discussions.

For Red Bull, the immediate future is clear: they have the four-time champion locked in through 2028. For Mercedes, the search for a 2026 teammate for George Russell continues — and the salary cap era means even the most lavish offer couldn’t outbid loyalty.

For fans asking “Is Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull in 2026?”, the answer is definitive: no. The Dutchman stays at Red Bull, and the Mercedes rumor cycle of 2025 will be remembered as one of the most fascinating non-transfers in recent F1 history. For Mercedes, the choice is clear: develop Russell and find a No. 2 driver, or accept that Verstappen was never truly available.

Despite Wolff’s denial, speculation about a potential 2027 Mercedes move persists among F1 pundits.

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