Jos Verstappen has taken to Social Media to deny rumours linking his son, Max Verstappen, to a potential Formula 1 move to Mercedes in the coming seasons.
It’s no secret that Red Bull has struggled in the opening stages of 2026. With a four-time world champion in their line-up, unable to challenge at the front of the field, naturally, rumours began to circulate in the paddock. Similar to last season, many believed that a switch to the Silver Arrows could be a possibility for Verstappen.
These rumours were further fuelled by Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, who suggested that Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff approached the Dutchman with a potential contract.
However, on Sky Sports Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast, the German suggested that the offer was denied as it was “so bad financially.” But he highlighted that Verstappen had also “refused” Red Bull’s “desperate” attempt to keep him beyond his current deal.
But these claims appear to be incorrect, according to Verstappen’s father. The 54-year-old took to social media to clarify his son’s name amidst the circulating talks.
“Ralf, again, you bring wrong information,” Jos Verstappen responded to a post on Schumacher’s comments.
These comments mark the latest public disagreement between the pair.
Verstappen and Schumacher have previously clashed over remarks concerning Red Bull’s internal situation and the team’s prospects following Dr Helmut Marko’s exit.
Where will Verstappen race next?
Despite his father denying the rumours of a Mercedes switch, it remains unknown if Verstappen’s long-term future lies.
The Dutchman is currently contracted to Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season. But reports continue to suggest that performance-related clauses could provide an exit clause. Should the team’s competitiveness fail to meet expectations, Verstappen could be out of Red Bull.
Mercedes is a likely destination should Verstappen decide to seek a new challenge. The Brackley-based outfit has emerged as the benchmark team under F1’s new regulations. While Toto Wolff has never hidden his admiration for the Dutchman, he remains committed to Mercedes’ current driver line-up.
But recently, McLaren has also been in the headlines for a Verstappen move. Following the Papaya team securing the services of GianPiero Lambiase, Verstappen’s long-time race engineer, rumours have emerged that he could be apart of McLaren’s future.
Despite talks of his future, Verstappen’s immediate focus will remain firmly on helping Red Bull recover its form and return to the front of the grid.
Discussion about this post