Verstappen to Mercedes: CEO Greenlights €120 million deal – Verstappen on the Verge of a Mercedes Move? CEO Greenlights €120 Million Deal – Max Verstappen is once again the center of attention in the Formula 1 transfer market, but this time, it’s not just about his unrivaled driving talent—it’s about a monumental shift in the sport’s power dynamics. According to inside sources, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius has given the green light for what could be the largest transfer in modern F1 history: a €120 million deal that will see Verstappen leave Red Bull for Mercedes in 2026.
With the dawn of a new era in F1 set for 2026, Mercedes is taking bold, unprecedented steps to break Red Bull’s stranglehold on the sport—and Verstappen is at the heart of it.
The Mega Deal That Could Reshape F1
Mercedes’ move is no coincidence. With the new regulations coming into play in 2026, the team is preparing for a competitive restart. The timing couldn’t be more crucial, as Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected switch to Ferrari has left a significant gap within Mercedes. Behind the scenes, team principal Toto Wolff, a long-time admirer of Verstappen, has been engaged in deep discussions with the Dutchman’s camp since early 2024. Now, with Källenius’ approval, the door is wide open for Verstappen to make the switch.
But what’s at stake? A staggering €120 million, with which Mercedes hopes to dethrone Red Bull and put themselves back at the forefront of F1. It’s a deal that could make Verstappen the highest-paid driver in the sport, further solidifying his status as the sport’s biggest name.
Red Bull’s Potential Loss and Verstappen’s Contract Clauses
While Verstappen is officially tied to Red Bull until 2028, there are clauses in his contract that could allow him to leave much sooner. These so-called “performance clauses” are linked to Verstappen’s position in the World Championship standings and allow for an early exit in the event of disappointing results or internal conflict. Sources close to the team have suggested that the turbulence within Red Bull, particularly around their Powertrains division, could trigger these clauses, giving Verstappen the opportunity to seek pastures new.
A potential departure would be a devastating blow for Red Bull. Since 2019, Verstappen has been the cornerstone of their success, consistently outpacing teammates and guiding the team to unprecedented dominance. His feedback has been pivotal in developing the team’s in-house engine for 2026. Without him, Red Bull’s future—both on track and in terms of technical development—could be at risk.
Red Bull’s Response: A New Generation of Drivers
Should Verstappen make the jump to Mercedes, Red Bull will have little time to find a suitable replacement. Yuki Tsunoda, despite his current seat, seems to be on the way out. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar, the French star at Racing Bulls, is making a strong case for promotion. Hadjar is now considered one of the top contenders for a Red Bull seat in 2026, and his rise is something Red Bull fans are eagerly watching.
Liam Lawson, now a seasoned driver with the sister team, is also seen as a key player in Red Bull’s future, though it’s expected that he will remain outside the main Red Bull squad. The team is also exploring external options to fill Verstappen’s shoes, with former Red Bull drivers Alexander Albon, who is having a revival at Williams, and Pierre Gasly, currently at Alpine, emerging as serious candidates. There’s even talk of Carlos Sainz re-entering the picture, despite Red Bull’s earlier decision to extend Sergio Pérez’s contract.
The Future at Mercedes: A High-Risk, High-Reward Gamble
As for Mercedes, Toto Wolff is determined to finalize his driver lineup before the summer break. While George Russell’s place in the team is secured, the question remains whether Mercedes is willing to take the risk of pairing him with Verstappen. The dynamic between the two drivers could create one of the most explosive team duos in F1 history—two of the sport’s most talented and competitive drivers, racing for supremacy within the same team. It could be a recipe for success, but it could also create internal conflict, which could have a significant impact on Mercedes’ performance.
Verstappen’s Decision Looms
While Verstappen has not made a final decision yet, insiders are expecting an announcement sooner rather than later. The general expectation is that Mercedes will confirm their 2026 driver lineup by the end of August. Should Verstappen agree to join Mercedes, the repercussions for the entire grid will be seismic, shaking up not just Red Bull’s plans but the entire structure of the sport.
The Formula 1 world is on the edge of its seat, waiting for the next twist in this high-stakes transfer saga. Could this be the move that defines Verstappen’s legacy—or will it lead to the unraveling of a dynasty? One thing is for certain: F1 will never be the same if Verstappen crosses over to Mercedes.
So, the jury’s out—what do you think? Would Verstappen make the right choice by moving to Mercedes, or would it be a case of fixing what’s not broken? Let us know in the comments below!
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“Formula 1 is over,” Vettel declared plainly to Auto, Motor und Sport. “At some point, the time is right to leave the field to others.”
It’s a refreshingly blunt message in a sport where retirements are often more like sabbaticals. Fernando Alonso has made the boomerang retirement fashionable, Kimi Räikkönen faded out like a grumbling engine, and even Nico Rosberg’s sudden mic drop left a lingering ‘what if’ in the air. But for Vettel, the decision feels… grown up. Deliberate. Maybe even (dare we say it) mature…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
