Max Verstappen has finally addressed swirling rumours about a possible move to Mercedes — and the staggering record he could equal if he does.
Following a turbulent Austrian Grand Prix where the reigning four-time world champion was forced to retire after a first-lap collision with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, speculation over Verstappen’s future at Red Bull has intensified. Speaking to Dutch media after the race, Verstappen remained calm but didn’t rule anything out: “In F1, nothing is ever set in stone. Right now I’m with Red Bull, but of course, performance always plays a role.”
The 26-year-old, who has been with Red Bull since 2016, could match a 69-year-old record held by one of the sport’s greatest icons — Juan Manuel Fangio — if he were to switch to Mercedes and win his debut race with the team.
Fangio remains the only driver in history to win his first race for two different teams: Mercedes (1954) and Ferrari (1956). If Verstappen were to debut for Mercedes in 2026 and take victory, he’d become only the second to do so.
Sky Sports Italia recently reported that Verstappen is “open” to joining the Silver Arrows should Red Bull’s performance continue to decline. Team advisor Helmut Marko further added fuel to the fire, revealing that Verstappen’s current contract — which runs through 2028 — contains performance-related exit clauses.
Despite the noise, Verstappen insists he’s focused on performance, not politics: “I don’t drive for records or headlines. I just want to be in the fastest car and fight at the front. That’s what matters most.”
With Red Bull currently slipping to fourth in the Constructors’ standings and McLaren closing in, the 2026 season could prove pivotal — and if Verstappen makes the bold move, history may once again be rewritten.
