Verstappen tipped for Mercedes as Sky F1 insider predicts major 2027 driver market shake-up – Max Verstappen’s future remains one of Formula 1’s biggest talking points, and Sky Sports presenter Rachel Brookes believes the reigning Red Bull driver will eventually leave the Milton Keynes team.
Speaking on the Essential F1 podcast, Brookes predicted Verstappen would join Mercedes, a move she believes could trigger a dramatic reshuffle across the Formula 1 grid ahead of the 2027 season.
With speculation continuing to surround Verstappen’s long-term future, Brookes outlined a series of potential driver moves involving Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull, Alpine and Williams, suggesting the next driver market could be one of the busiest in recent memory.
Rachel Brookes expects Max Verstappen to leave Red Bull
Brookes believes Verstappen is ready for a new challenge after spending the most successful years of his career with Red Bull.
“I still believe that Max is looking for an exit,” she said on the Essential F1 podcast.
According to Brookes, Verstappen no longer wants to wait for Red Bull to return to consistent race-winning form.
“I still get the feeling that he’s looking around and saying [to Red Bull]: I’ve had my time here and given everything I could. Now I want to go back to where I can win.”
She believes Mercedes remains the most likely destination.
“I have a feeling he would still go to Mercedes, alongside Kimi Antonelli.”
While Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull, his future has been the subject of persistent speculation as Formula 1 prepares for the major regulation changes coming in 2027.
Mercedes move could trigger major Formula 1 driver reshuffle
Brookes believes a Verstappen move would have significant consequences throughout the grid.
Her prediction would see George Russell leave Mercedes and partner Lando Norris at McLaren.
“McLaren could potentially run Lando Norris and George Russell,” she suggested.
That scenario would also result in Oscar Piastri making a surprise move to Red Bull, where Brookes believes he could partner Isack Hadjar.
While there is no indication these moves are under negotiation, Brookes argued that Verstappen’s decision would likely become the first domino in a much wider driver market shake-up.
Alonso, Colapinto and Fornaroli also linked with moves
Brookes’ predictions extended beyond the front-running teams.
She suggested Fernando Alonso could make a return to Alpine, while Franco Colapinto could move to Williams.
The Sky Sports presenter also identified current Formula 2 championship contender Leonardo Fornaroli as a driver capable of reaching Formula 1 in the near future.
“But I’m not 100 percent sure where yet,” she said.
Whether Brookes’ predictions prove accurate remains to be seen, but with Verstappen’s future continuing to dominate discussion during Formula 1’s summer break, speculation over the 2027 driver market is unlikely to slow down anytime soon. Any decision by the Dutchman would almost certainly have a significant impact on the rest of the grid.
The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. 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.
Craig Alderson is Senior Editor at TJ13, where Craig oversees newsroom operations and coordinates editorial output across the site. With a background in online sports reporting and motorsport magazine editing, he plays a key role in maintaining consistency, speed, and accuracy in TJ13’s coverage.
During race weekends, Craig acts as desk lead, directing contributors, prioritising breaking stories, and ensuring timely publication across a fast-moving news cycle.
Craig’s work focuses heavily on real-time developments in the paddock, including team updates, regulatory decisions, and emerging controversies. This role requires a detailed understanding of Formula 1’s operational flow, from practice sessions through to race-day strategy and post-race fallout.
With experience managing editorial teams, Craig ensures that TJ13 delivers structured, reliable coverage while maintaining the site’s distinctive voice.
Craig has a particular interest in how information moves within the paddock environment, and how rapidly developing stories can be accurately translated into clear, accessible reporting for readers.
You talk rubbish mate. Max is not going to Mercedes next year and Rachel Brookes,no longer works for Sky.