Verstappen-Mercedes talk rolls on in 2026 break

Mercedes links around Max Verstappen remained unconfirmed during the 2026 summer break, with BBC Sport, Autosport and Motorsport.com all reporting fresh speculation.

Speculation over Max Verstappen’s long-term future continued through Formula 1’s summer break, but no move has been confirmed. BBC Sport reported that its Chequered Flag podcast discussed whether a switch from Red Bull to Mercedes was plausible, while Motorsport.com reported that holiday photos of Verstappen and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff added to the latest round of talk.

Autosport and Motorsport.com also reported Verstappen’s comments about feeling good about his place in Formula 1 and still loving racing. Both outlets described a difficult season for Red Bull, and Verstappen heads into the break sixth in the 2026 drivers' championship on 109 points. The Dutch driver, who has 242 starts, 71 wins, 51 poles and 129 podiums, remains under scrutiny as the driver market develops.

Other claims stayed in the realm of opinion rather than confirmation. Motorsport.com reported that David Croft raised questions about Verstappen’s future after his radio complaints in Hungary, and that Rachel Brookes predicted wider grid changes for 2027 that could involve Mercedes. Neither Verstappen, Red Bull nor Mercedes has announced any deal.