Verstappen-Mercedes reports persist amid break

BBC Sport, Autosport and Motorsport.com have all carried fresh Max Verstappen-to-Mercedes reports, with no deal confirmed for 2026.

Reports linking Max Verstappen with Mercedes continued into Formula 1's summer break, but no move has been confirmed. BBC Sport discussed the possibility on its Chequered Flag podcast and in separate transfer-rumour coverage, while Motorsport.com also included Verstappen in its recent driver-market reporting.

Autosport reported that Verstappen said he felt good about his place in Formula 1 and still loved racing heading into the break. The outlet also reported that Red Bull's RB22 had fallen short of expectations this season. Verstappen, 28, is sixth in the 2026 drivers' championship on 109 points.

The Dutch driver has 242 Formula 1 starts, 71 wins, 51 poles and 129 podiums. For now, any Mercedes link remains reported speculation rather than an announced agreement.