Hamilton will join Ferrari after 11 years with Mercedes. The Silver Arrows are patiently scouring the market to find a replacement for the seven-time world champion.
Verstappen has long been considered a strong contender. Team principal Toto Wolff has openly talked up Mercedes’ interest in the Dutchman, who has a long-term contract with Red Bull until 2028.
Despite leading the chase for what would be a fourth consecutive world title this year, Verstappen has been linked with a shock exit from Red Bull. Tensions behind the scenes have intensified speculation that the team’s star driver may depart.
According to Ziggo Sport journalist and TV presenter Jack Plooij, speaking to Dutch broadcaster Radio538, Verstappen and Mercedes have been in ‘serious discussions’ over a move. Ratcliffe, whose petrochemicals giant INEOS owns a stake in Mercedes, has reportedly been the driving force behind the talks.
The British billionaire, who in January bought a minority stake in Manchester United, is reportedly prepared to ‘do everything’ to sign Verstappen. The 26-year-old’s interest in joining Mercedes is claimed to revolve around the 2026 regulation changes.
New rules will see teams introduce new engines and it is claimed that Mercedes lead the way in adapting to the overhaul. Plooij points out that as Mercedes are a manufacturer, they will have an advantage over the rivals in 2026.
In public, Verstappen has always denied that he sees his future away from Red Bull. He insists that as long as he remains happy, he will stay with the Milton Keynes team.
“After 2021 I signed a long deal with the team. The only thing I said from the beginning was that I wanted to have a quiet, peaceful environment,” Verstappen said on Thursday.
“Lately we have been talking about the car, so I am very happy about that already. That’s also how it should be. And of course as long as I am happy with the team, there has never been a reason to leave.”
Verstappen can extend his lead at the top of the drivers’ standings with another victory at the Chinese Grand Prix. He said: “We need to have a good FP1 where we don’t have to fine-tune too much on the car. That will really help. Time will tell, I’m not too worried about it.”
