F1 2026 rumours: Verstappen, Mercedes, Red Bull

Reports have kept Max Verstappen, Mercedes and Red Bull in the 2026 driver-market conversation, but no move has been confirmed by any team.

Reports continue to link Max Verstappen with Mercedes and keep Red Bull’s 2026 line-up in focus, but no team has confirmed any driver move. BBC Sport discussed Verstappen’s future in a post-British Grand Prix Q&A, while Autosport reported that rumours linking him to McLaren did not stand up and said existing options meant no new contract announcement was expected.

Motorsport.com separately published opinion pieces from former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner and 2009 world champion Jenson Button about whether Mercedes should pursue Verstappen and whether the Dutch driver could look for a change. Verstappen is seventh in the 2026 drivers’ championship on 76 points, with 71 wins, 51 poles and 129 podiums from 242 starts.

The wider market picture also includes Mercedes and Red Bull’s current situations. Andrea Kimi Antonelli leads the 2026 standings on 179 points after 33 entries, with five wins, five poles and 10 podiums across 2025 and 2026, while BBC Sport also examined Yuki Tsunoda’s 2026 prospects. Motorsport.com further reported fresh questions around Red Bull’s driver pool as Isack Hadjar’s form drew attention, but that remains part of the current speculation rather than a confirmed change.