World champion Max Verstappen is once again at the center of Formula 1 rumors. During the summer break, photos published by Autosprint showed him aboard a yacht on the exclusive Costa Smeralda in Sardinia, sharing time with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

While the meeting could have been purely social, it has reignited speculation about a possible team switch for the Dutchman, especially after he confirmed he would stay with Red Bull until 2026—yet left the door open regarding what might happen under the new technical regulations.

An atmosphere of uncertainty at Red Bull

The encounter comes at a sensitive time for Red Bull Racing, which recently closed the chapter on Christian Horner. The former team principal and CEO was officially removed from the four key positions he held in UK-based companies tied to the team, consolidating control from Austria.

Horner’s dismissal, combined with internal tensions and rumored friction with Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, has raised alarms in Milton Keynes. Without their historic leader and with the triple champion as the cornerstone of the project, any sign linking him to Mercedes is viewed as a potential threat.

Mercedes and Wolff’s long game

At Mercedes, George Russell’s future remains uncertain, and speculation suggests Wolff might be keeping the door open to sign Verstappen in 2027, when his contract expires. The presence of the “Silver Arrows” boss on a yacht with the most sought-after driver on the grid only fuels that narrative.

Wolff has never hidden his interest in Verstappen, whom he missed out on signing as a teenager and has since faced as his fiercest rival. A single holiday photo of the pair has been enough for media and fans to suspect there’s more than just a scenic boat trip at play.

With the season on pause, negotiations and strategies are unfolding away from the track. If Red Bull fails to keep its champion satisfied with a competitive car for 2026, the horizon could turn silver for Verstappen—and far less bright for his current team.