Max Verstappen 'says yes to Mercedes' as F1 star ready to quit Red Bull

Max Verstappen is in concrete talks with Mercedes and has given his approval to join the Silver Arrows, according to a blockbuster new report. The Dutchman has been heavily linked with a move away from Red Bull following their downturn in performance this season and a move in 2026 now appears to be firmly on the card.

Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, but has clauses in his deal which would allow the four-time world champion to make an early exit. He has long been linked with Mercedes and Aston Martin, who snatched the renowned Adrian Newey from Red Bull already in the last 12 months.

According to Sky Sports Italy, Verstappen is close to joining Mercedes and negotiations are ongoing over a potential move. The 27-year-old is said to have said yes to the Silver Arrows' proposal and indicated that he is ready to leave Red Bull.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has made it no secret that he is a long-term admirer of Versatppen and has spoken publicly about his desire to lure him to his team, and his extended pursuit now appears set to draw to a close.

However, as it stands, there is one major obstacle still remaining. Some members of the Mercedes board have not approved of the acquisition of Verstappen yet and some doubts about the move have been raised due to the regulations that will come into place in 2026.

Verstappen has spoken on several occasions this season about how he is struggling with the RB21, and such frustration appears to have fuelled his decision to entertain exit talks. Last month it was claimed that a rumour was swirling around the paddock that the Dutch star could see himself at Mercedes, as opposed to Aston Martin.

If Verstappen does join Mercedes then he is expected to take the seat of British star George Russell, who is out of contract at the end of the year. He would then link up with teenager Kimi Antonelli from 2026 and beyond.

Wolff has insisted that he is happy with Russell's performance in recent months, but the opportunity to finally secure the services of Verstappen is described as being one that cannot be ignored. As a result, Red Bull and Aston Martin would be expected to make a push for Russell before next season gets underway, if he becomes a free agent.