Max Verstappen has admitted that discussions with Mercedes about a potential blockbuster switch in Formula 1 did take place earlier in 2025.
Red Bull’s competitive struggles during the opening rounds triggered renewed rumours that Verstappen could be encouraged to look elsewhere.
This reached a head prior to the British Grand Prix when George Russell revealed that Verstappen’s camp had been engaged in talks with Mercedes.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who missed out on Verstappen’s signature twice in 2014 and 2024, did not quell the whispers when quizzed on the topic.
But while Verstappen was also reluctant to be drawn on the reports, he put to bed the speculation in the build-up to the Hungarian Grand Prix in July.
Verstappen, who is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, disclosed that conversations were held, but nothing ever advanced on a possible deal for 2026.
“I’m not going to lie. For sure, there were talks,” Verstappen told the BBC. “But at the same time, it was all very friendly and open. Nothing more than that.”
Verstappen reveals what it would take to leave Red Bull
Having been embedded in the Red Bull stable since 2014, Verstappen’s desire to have a competitive package will not be the sole thing that determines his prospects.
“For me, it’s not only about F1,” said Verstappen. “There’s a lot of things that have to come together for me to make a change. Future roles, stuff like that.
“So if I ever would make a change, of course, it’s a big one for me because this definitely feels like a second family, and that’s not easy to replicate, let’s say, like that.
“The change, if I would ever make one, it’s not only because I need a faster F1 car or I need a difference in the environment.
“There’s a lot of things that are around my F1 career and things that I’m doing outside of F1 that all have to come together.”
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