Rumors of Max Verstappen’s departure from Red Bull grow stronger. The star driver of the Austrian team is reportedly in talks with Mercedes, casting uncertainty over the British-based team’s future. Here’s everything we know.
Is Max Verstappen Leaving Red Bull?
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has confirmed that the German team is interested in signing the Dutch driver. The two have already held private discussions about a possible transfer, although nothing has been officially confirmed yet.
If the deal goes through, Verstappen would leave Red Bull—despite having a contract through 2028—to join Mercedes starting in the 2026 season. Although his current contract is still valid, there are certain clauses that could allow him to exit early, such as Red Bull failing to finish within the top three in the Drivers’ Championship.
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Where Does Red Bull Stand Right Now?
At the moment, Red Bull is in fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship with a total of 162 points.
Who Is Max Verstappen?
Max Emilian Verstappen was born on September 30, 1997, in Hasselt, Belgium. He is the son of Belgian racing driver Sophie-Marie Kumpen and former Dutch Formula 1 driver Jos Verstappen. Surrounded by racing from an early age, Max quickly stood out in karting.
As a teenager, he moved to the Netherlands with his father to fully commit to professional karting. His talent was undeniable: he competed—and won—in categories above his age group, claiming world titles in KF, KZ1, and KZ2.
In 2013 and early 2014, Max underwent an intense testing program across various cars and circuits. He soon jumped into FIA Formula 3 with a new Dutch team—a decision made by his father to reduce media pressure.
Before the official season began, Max participated in the Florida Winter Series, organized by Ferrari and Prema, where he raced alongside young talents like Lance Stroll and Nicholas Latifi. However, it was his debut in F3 that truly caught the motorsport world’s attention. With six consecutive wins between Spa-Francorchamps and Norisring, Max proved he was ready for the next level.
Red Bull quickly recognized his potential and took a bold move by placing him in Toro Rosso for the 2015 season, even though he hadn’t completed a full season in junior formulas. On October 3, 2014, Verstappen made his Formula 1 debut during the first free practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix—marking the beginning of a career that would go on to reshape the sport.
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How Many Championships Has Max Verstappen Won?
Max Verstappen has won four Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championships and claimed 65 Grand Prix victories over the course of 11 seasons.
Who Is the Greatest F1 Driver?
Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most wins in Formula 1 history, with 105 victories to date. He is followed by Michael Schumacher, who held the record for many years and ended his career with 91 wins. Max Verstappen is currently in third place.
What Is Formula 1?
Formula 1, or F1, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of global motorsport. It is a single-seater racing competition where teams and drivers compete in a series of events known as Grands Prix, held at circuits all around the world.
