Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius has reportedly given the “green light” to a bid to sign Max Verstappen in Formula 1 as Red Bull’s possible replacements have emerged.
Verstappen’s prospects have become integral to the driver market amid the revelation that his camp is in renewed discussions with Mercedes about a potential move.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff harbours a well-established interest in Verstappen, which began in 2014 before his F1 bow when he missed out on his services to Red Bull.
Wolff rekindled the conversations with the Dutchman’s entourage about a switch in 2024 when Lewis Hamilton provided the bombshell that he was heading to Ferrari.
But while Verstappen elected to remain with Red Bull as he went on to take the Drivers’ title, Wolff expressed the insistence that their “paths will cross” at some stage.
Unlike 12 months ago, Verstappen hasn’t nailed his colours to the Red Bull mast, and a decision on where he will be racing in 2026 is anticipated in the coming weeks.
That corroborates with Wolff’s disclosure that he wishes to have the German marque’s 2026 line-up announced prior to the summer break’s conclusion in late August.
Verstappen’s deal with Red Bull until 2028 does comprise clauses related to his individual position in the Drivers’ Championship that could permit an earlier departure.
However, La Gazzetta dello Sport has alleged that Kallenius has authorised a swoop to sign Verstappen, regardless, in a deal that could cost as much as €120 million.
How would Red Bull progress without Verstappen?
Red Bull losing Verstappen would be a devastating blow at a time when the side is preparing to embark on a new chapter with an engine that has been built in-house.
Verstappen has outclassed all his team-mates to devastating degrees since 2019, prompting the second seat at Red Bull to become renowned as a poisoned chalice.
Yuki Tsunoda, having replaced Liam Lawson two rounds into the current campaign, has endured similar struggles to his predecessor as he is point-less in five rounds.
But despite being assured that he will complete 2025 with Red Bull, Auto Motor und Sport has published that Tsunoda is primed to be released once the season ends.
Instead, Tsunoda’s starting team-mate this season, Isack Hadjar, is braced to have his heroics in his rookie F1 campaign with Racing Bulls rewarded with a promotion.
The Frenchman moving up isn’t said to be dependent on what happens with Verstappen, though the reigning F1 champion leaving would not hand Tsunoda a reprieve.
Likewise, Lawson is poised to continue with Racing Bulls into 2026, where he will be the experienced driver alongside another up-and-coming rookie in Arvid Lindblad.
That would ensure that Red Bull – should Verstappen proceed to agree a move to Mercedes – resorts to evaluating the drivers outside the organisation’s current stable.
According to AMuS, George Russell headlines the options that could succeed Verstappen as doubts circulate over whether Mercedes will extend the Briton’s contract.
But with Wolff not having ruled out partnering Russell along with Verstappen, Red Bull also has contingencies in place, such as ex-drivers Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly.
Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz, who Red Bull chose to overlook when he was available last term in order to renew Sergio Perez’s deal, is also regarded as a viable candidate.
READ MORE – Max Verstappen denies doubt over 2026 Red Bull F1 prospects behind Mercedes talks
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