Rumors of Verstappen jumping ship first erupted last year after Lewis Hamilton’s blockbuster move to Ferrari was confirmed. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff made it clear he’d love to sign the Dutchman to lead the Silver Arrows into F1’s new era starting in 2026, when new chassis and engine regulation changes will shake up the grid.

Red Bull are currently fourth in the Constructors’ Championship with 162 points, of which Verstappen has scored 155. Yuki Tsunoda, named to the team ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix as a replacement for Liam Lawson, has scored the other seven.

Max Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull through 2028, but a performance clause has given Mercedes and opportunity to poach the world champion.