Verstappen to Mercedes?

What looked like a quiet 2025 for driver moves could end with the biggest bombshell in Formula 1. The idea of Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull for Mercedes is gaining serious traction, especially as the three-time champion finds himself increasingly uncomfortable within his current team. Toto Wolff is interested, George Russell hasn’t renewed… and Max’s silence speaks volumes.

Despite being under contract until 2028, Verstappen has neither confirmed nor denied anything. His distant attitude and the growing tension at Red Bull — including the imminent dismissal of Christian Horner, reportedly a demand from the Verstappen camp — have only intensified speculation. With the summer break looming, the paddock is heating up.

McLaren isn’t happy about it

The latest to weigh in is McLaren CEO Zak Brown, whose team currently dominates the grid. And he didn’t hold back: “It’s a little bit scary,” he said about a potential Verstappen-Mercedes pairing.

“Mercedes is clearly on an upward trend, Red Bull clearly is not right now, and Max is incredibly talented. So Max in a Mercedes… that’s pretty serious competition,” he told ESPN. Even as McLaren leads the championship, no one wants to see Max as a rival in a strong car.

Red Bull falters, McLaren flies

While Red Bull endures one of its worst seasons in recent memory (fourth in the Constructors’ with 172 points), McLaren is flying high with 460 points and Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri fighting for the title. Ferrari, in second, sits at just 222. While the 2026 regulation changes could shake things up, for now, Woking owns the track.

And if Verstappen does choose to leave, the balance could be shattered. Because Max doesn’t just win races — he transforms teams. And his next move could change F1 forever.