Verstappen Weighs Mercedes Move Amid Red Bull Turmoil

Speculation about Max Verstappen's future has grown following Red Bull's recent internal turmoil and the sacking of team principal Christian Horner. Multiple sources report Verstappen has met with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, prompting rumors of a possible move to Mercedes as early as 2025 or 2026, despite his Red Bull contract running until 2028. Former drivers, including Ralf Schumacher, suggest Verstappen’s management, involving his father Jos, may already be leaning toward Mercedes due to their perceived upward trajectory. However, conflicting reports say Verstappen might wait to assess Red Bull's performance under the 2026 F1 regulations, possibly delaying a move until 2027. The potential switch could affect current Mercedes driver contracts, with some advocating for a Verstappen-George Russell pairing. Verstappen has publicly stated that upcoming regulations will not be the sole factor in his decision.