Fernando Alonso had a tongue-in-cheek response when asked if he had any advice for Max Verstappen in his talks for a potential Mercedes Formula 1 seat in 2026.
The Dutchman and the German marque have been linked once again after George Russell sensationally claimed Toto Wolff is pursuing the four-time World Champion.
In recent weeks, much fuel has been added to this particular fire with suggestions that Verstappen has already penned a long-term deal with the Silver Arrows for 2026 and beyond.
This, however, might have to be taken with a pinch of salt given the rumoured details surrounding the 27-year-old’s contract with Red Bull.
It appears as though Verstappen can trigger his exit clause in his contract if he is placed lower than fourth in the Drivers’ Championship after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
As things stand, the 65-time Grand Prix winner sits third in the standings, and with two races to go, he needs to concede 46 points to Charles Leclerc for this to happen.
Therefore, for all intents and purposes, either Verstappen or Mercedes will have to cough up the dough to buy his Red Bull contract out to make a possible move happen.
When asked if the two-time World Champion had any advice for the negotiating parties, he jokingly expressed his desire to help.
“No advice,” Alonso told media including Motorsport Week.
“Well, I can be a consultant. But they need to pay a huge amount of money at the moment of advice.”
Verstappen and Mercedes ‘are talking’
Both Verstappen and Wolff have remained tight-lipped about any serious negotiations between the duo.
That said, the Austrian did indicate an interest in luring Verstappen away from the Milton Keynes-based squad when he said, “I want to just have the conversations behind closed doors, not town halls.”
But while a veil of secrecy is being shown from the concerned entities, a source very close to Verstappen believes that this move could very well be a possibility going into next year.
“Who knows next year, with Max there [at Mercedes],” said Piquet Jr., the brother of Verstappen’s partner Kelly, on the Pelas Pista podcast.
“They are talking, everyone knows right? Just missing final contract details, but everyone knows that it’s an option. They are talking.”
READ MORE — Max Verstappen denies doubt over 2026 Red Bull F1 prospects behind Mercedes talks
