The Mercedes Formula 1 team is reportedly eyeing reigning world champion Max Verstappen amid his turbulent time at Red Bull Racing. Speculation about a possible move to Mercedes in 2025 has intensified, fueled by recent comments from former F1 driver and TV pundit Nico Rosberg.
A number of factors suggest that a move to Mercedes for Max Verstappen as early as 2025 is no longer a remote possibility. Despite Toto Wolff’s charm offensive to soften the blow of Lewis Hamilton’s potential move to Ferrari, Verstappen and Red Bull seemed certain heading into the final year of the current regulations. However, recent developments have heightened the chances of this unexpected shift in the drivers’ market.
The first major signs of discord within the Verstappen-Red Bull alliance emerged at the season-opener in Bahrain. An internal investigation into team principal Christian Horner led to a power struggle involving Max’s father, Jos Verstappen, Helmut Marko, and Oliver Mintzlaff. Caught in the crossfire, Max hinted that his future could be in jeopardy if Marko was forced out of the team, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty within Red Bull.
Initially, Red Bull’s internal conflicts seemed manageable due to the team’s strong performance. Verstappen was expected to cruise to the 2024 title. However, Red Bull’s dominance began to wane, particularly at the Austrian GP, where McLaren and Mercedes challenged Verstappen’s lead. Red Bull’s vulnerability became apparent as their on-track performance suffered amidst internal strife.
The 2023 RB19 car was initially a major success, but its advantage diminished as rivals improved. A failed upgrade introduced at Imola marked a significant turning point. Red Bull faces a challenge in extracting more performance from their car due to Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions (ATR) and budget caps, while competitors like McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari have more adaptable designs.
Red Bull’s development of in-house power units, supported by Ford, represents a major gamble compared to Mercedes’ proven track record. The reliability of Mercedes High-Performance Powertrains contrasts sharply with the uncertainty surrounding Red Bull’s new project. Verstappen may reconsider his position at any sign of technical weakness as Red Bull faces a steep learning curve in engine development.
Nico Rosberg, the 2016 world champion, suggested that Verstappen might be considering a switch to Mercedes. “If Max Verstappen, who is one of the five best drivers of all time, comes on the market, you have to snap him up immediately,” Rosberg said. This insider knowledge adds credibility to rumors of substantive discussions behind the scenes.
Rosberg further stirred the pot by claiming there’s more than a 50 percent chance of Verstappen joining Mercedes. His belief stems from the insider information circulating in the paddock during the Hungarian Grand Prix, adding a new dimension to the speculation about Verstappen’s future.
Mercedes has a potential advantage in the upcoming 2026 engine regulations, which could be crucial for Verstappen. Rosberg noted, “You also hear that they really have a head start in engine development at Mercedes, especially for the new 2026 regulations.” This advantage could be a significant factor in attracting Verstappen, who aims to remain at the top of his game.
As the 2024 season progresses, the speculation over Verstappen’s future is only likely to grow. The combination of Red Bull’s internal discord and Mercedes’ strategic advantage could make a compelling case for Verstappen to consider a move. While nothing is certain yet, Rosberg’s comments have undeniably added excitement to the ongoing narrative about Verstappen’s future.
For now, Verstappen remains with Red Bull, but the whispers of a future with Mercedes are getting louder. This ongoing saga adds a layer of excitement and uncertainty to Formula One, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as the drama unfolds.
