Max Verstappen’s contract situation looks set to be a major storyline in the 2026 season.
Earlier this year, Verstappen reassured Red Bull fans and staff by confirming he’d remain with the team for at least another season. While his current deal runs until 2028, there are exit clauses that could allow him to leave early if certain conditions aren’t met.
While his contract runs through 2028, there are exit clauses that could let him leave earlier if specific criteria aren’t met.
And with the F1 grid as competitive as ever, it’s hard to imagine any team turning down the chance to bring Verstappen on board if he became available. Even Audi’s new boss, Jonathan Wheatley, has admitted he’d be interested if the opportunity ever arose.
Of course, there’s no reason to think that scenario is even on the table right now. Unless Audi makes a huge leap forward under F1’s new regulations next year, it doesn’t seem likely.
Report claims Max Verstappen has begun talks with Mercedes as a backup plan to Red Bull
Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport has added new details about next season’s driver market. With Ferrari struggling this season, attention in Italy has already turned to the future. Charles Leclerc is being linked with Aston Martin, but it’s Verstappen who could end up shaping how the entire market moves.
Verstappen is expected to be at the centre of whatever happens in the driver market given his standing in the sport, and Gazzetta is reporting that he ‘has already entered into negotiations’ with Mercedes and ‘could be tempted’ by a move.
Mercedes whispers about 2026 performance keep Verstappen talk alive
Speculation around Mercedes’ prospects for 2026 continues to feed the narrative surrounding Max Verstappen’s future. For some time now, figures inside the paddock have hinted that Mercedes could arrive with the strongest power unit under the new regulations.
Given how crucial engine performance will be next season, such an edge would naturally benefit Mercedes and their customer teams — McLaren, Williams and Alpine.
Verstappen has publicly dismissed suggestions that Mercedes might dominate the new era, but Red Bull are fully aware of the uncertainty they face. Despite strengthening their ranks with high-profile hires from Mercedes and other rivals, Red Bull Powertrains — developed in partnership with Ford — remains the team’s first attempt at building an engine of their own.
The Dutchman recently visited Red Bull Powertrains and came away impressed, though without a direct benchmark to compare against, it’s difficult to gauge exactly where the project stands.
The opening races of 2026 will provide the first real clues about how the next phase of Formula 1 will unfold. They could also play a decisive role in shaping Verstappen’s plans for 2027 and beyond, especially if Red Bull begin mapping out their long-term direction.
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