Max Verstappen to Leave Red Bull for Mercedes? Exclusive

By Dr. AK Rana

Max Verstappen is going to Mercedes—let’s not kid ourselves anymore.

Even though no official statement has been released, and other media channels are still labelling it a “strong rumour,” insiders know what’s cooking.

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The talks are nearly done.
Max and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff are almost on the same page.
Just a few more lines need to be inked into the contract.

And let’s be clear: Max Verstappen, a four-time World Champion, isn’t going to a new team to be bossed around—ahem, like what’s happening with Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari.

Max has been with Red Bull for a decade. Leaving the team that raised him is no small move.

But here’s the catch: rather than being the king of a crumbling empire, he’d prefer to rise again with a new one.

Let’s face it—

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Red Bull is showing serious cracks. The garage looks unstable, the Constructors’ standings are sliding, and even the once-mighty dominance now seems shaky.

History has shown us a strange pattern: with Red Bull, four championships is the magical ceiling.

After that, they start looking… well, just like any other team. Ask Vettel.

Some say Max should wait and watch how Mercedes performs in 2026 when the new regulations come into play. But here’s the twist—by then, the driver market will have reshuffled, and Mercedes might be locked into new contracts.

George Russell, for example, is at a pivotal moment. His current contract is near its end, and extending it just for one year won’t sit well with him.

This gives Toto Wolff a golden opportunity—and let’s not forget,

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Toto has admired Max since 2016 and has publicly admitted to regretting not signing him back then.
If he gets the chance now, there’s no way he’s letting it slip again.

Now, some argue—”But what about the history between Max and Mercedes?

Especially after the 2021 title battle with Lewis Hamilton?”

Sure, the rivalry was intense, even ugly at times.

But this is Formula 1—if Fernando Alonso can return to McLaren, and if Lewis can move to Ferrari after denying it, then Max joining Mercedes isn’t shocking—it’s just strategy.

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Champions choose winning teams, and Max knows when to jump ship.

As for George Russell, there’s no way Mercedes pairs him with Max. Their history is tense, their on-track battles spicy, and their egos… well, let’s just say there’s no room for both in one garage.

And Kimi Antonelli?

Some fans fantasize that he’ll move to Ferrari because of the Italian roots.

Cute thought.

But no—

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Kimi is Toto’s project, his pride, and his long-term bet.
He’s not letting the Italian prodigy slip through his fingers.

Oh, and those cozy moments between Max and George on camera? The smiles, the pats on the back?

Social media loved it. But don’t be fooled—Max was simply being nice before claiming the seat.

That’s not friendship. That’s the calm before the scandal.

So yes, while we’re all obliged to end this on the politically correct note of “nothing is officially confirmed yet”, let’s be honest: Mercedes won’t confirm anything until the dust settles and George’s fanbase is gently prepared for heartbreak.

Still a rumour?

Sure.

But one that’s practically signed, sealed, and waiting for Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen to nod.

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