P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Is there any truth to the latest ‘Max Verstappen-to-Mercedes’ rumours?
Mercedes has reportedly not made an official offer to Max Verstappen to join its Formula 1 team next year, despite recent rumors circulating. According to a journalist close to Verstappen, there have been no concrete negotiations for the four-time F1 champion to move to Mercedes. Recent speculation from Sky Sport Italy about Verstappen being close to joining Mercedes and having said “yes” to team principal Toto Wolff has been disputed by a journalist from the Netherlands. Verstappen’s future in F1 has been a major topic of discussion amid a challenging season for Red Bull, with a performance-related exit clause in his contract potentially allowing him to leave before 2028. If Verstappen were to depart, Mercedes is seen as his likely destination, possibly replacing George Russell, whose contract expires this year. Russell could potentially move to Red Bull if Verstappen joins Mercedes for the 2026 season.
