Speculation about a possible move by Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen from Red Bull to Mercedes is gaining momentum.
Former racing driver Jolyon Palmer is firmly expecting a “talk” between the Silver Arrows and the four-time Formula 1 world champion, as he explained in the “F1 Nation” podcast. “Because, as we said last year, Red Bull will not win the title this year. They have far too much work ahead of them.”
According to Palmer, this contradicts the self-image of the ambitious Verstappen. “Max is not here to finish eighth in qualifying. He is not here to even fight for a podium place. He will look for a way to move to Mercedes because they have the best car,” said the 35-year-old Briton.
Mercedes will continue to fight for the World Cup in the coming years, said Palmer. “You can’t ignore the fact that Max Verstappen is calling. And we followed these conversations last year. There was a little nervousness.”
The fact that a duel for the 2026 Drivers’ World Championship is currently looming between Mercedes opponents George Russell and Kimi Antonelli makes things all the more exciting from Palmer’s point of view. “Imagine the title is on the line and all this is happening in the background,” he explained.
Formula 1: Verstappen change? Herbert hears “rumors”
Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert had also recently fueled speculation about Verstappen’s move to Mercedes.
“I’ve heard rumors again that Max isn’t particularly happy at his current job and that Mercedes might sign him,” said the 61-year-old in the “Stay On Track” podcast.
According to Herbert, this spectacular change would mean the end of the Silver Arrows for Russell, the current leader of the Formula 1 drivers’ championship. Mercedes would have to “get rid of him” in order to get Verstappen, he emphasized.
