There’s nothing new about the Verstappen to Mercedes rumour, which began last year as Toto Wolff publicly courted the Red Bull driver as a replacement for the Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton. Wolff went on to sign Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli as Russell’s F1 2025 team-mate, but both drivers are out of contract at the end of this season.

All signals at Mercedes are reportedly green for bringing in Max Verstappen. The biggest challenge will be convincing Verstappen himself and his contract situation. That Mercedes is keen to bring Max Verstappen onboard for 2026 is no secret.

With both drivers signed-up for F1 2026, team boss Andy Cowell spoke of the positive effect which this is having on their preparations for F1’s new era – Aston Martin a team to watch – potentially closing an avenue for Russell, who is looking to secure his future on the grid.

Bernie Ecclestone has handed Max Verstappen some crucial advice amid rumors of his potential move to the Mercedes F1 team.

As the Max Verstappen to Mercedes rumours rumble on, Fernando Alonso says he doesn’t have any advice for the World Champion but he’ll happily be a “consultant”. But it will cost the Dutchman a pretty penny.