Max Verstappen to Join Mercedes in 2026, Say Reports

In a bombshell development that could reshape the future of Formula 1, multiple reports out of Italy—chiefly Sport Italia and Sky Italia—are claiming that three-time world champion Max Verstappen has agreed to join Mercedes-AMG Petronas for the 2026 season.

According to sources close to the situation, Verstappen has “said yes” to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, ending months of speculation about his future amid internal turmoil at Red Bull Racing. The decision, if confirmed, would see Verstappen become the new face of Mercedes just as the sport enters a new era of power unit and chassis regulations.

The 2026 rule changes—focused on sustainability, increased electric power, and standardized aerodynamics—have already triggered a reshuffling of priorities among top teams. With Lewis Hamilton’s surprise departure to Ferrari in 2025, Mercedes found itself in need of a marquee driver capable of anchoring the team’s next chapter. Verstappen, viewed by many as the most complete driver on the grid, appears to be that answer.

Sport Italia and Sky Italia were among the first to accurately report Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari in early 2024, lending credibility to their latest claims. According to the reports, discussions between Verstappen and Mercedes intensified over the past several months, with Wolff personally leading efforts to lure the Dutchman away from the team that made him a global superstar.

The tension between Verstappen and Red Bull has been mounting since late 2024, fueled by political friction within the team’s leadership and off-track controversies surrounding Red Bull Racing’s management. Though Verstappen has remained professional and dominant on track, insiders say he has grown increasingly disillusioned with the team environment.

A move to Mercedes would reunite Verstappen with former Red Bull engineer Loïc Serra and align him with the powerhouse of Mercedes High Performance Powertrains, who are believed to be far ahead in developing their 2026-spec hybrid engine.

When asked for comment, neither Red Bull nor Mercedes issued an official response. Verstappen’s management has also declined to confirm the rumors. However, several paddock insiders suggest that a formal announcement could come as early as the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

If the reports are true, Verstappen’s signing would instantly make Mercedes title contenders in 2026. The Dutchman’s relentless pace, combined with the technical prowess of Mercedes, could set the stage for a new era of dominance.

Fans will now watch closely to see how Red Bull responds—and whether this marks the end of one of the most successful partnerships in modern F1 history. Either way, the grid for 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the most explosive in recent memory.