Max and Jos Verstappen confirm lengthy Mercedes discussions

Max Verstappen and his father, Jos, have revealed that they discussed a potential move to Mercedes at great length between themselves – and not just this year.

The four-time world champion spent much of the first half of the season addressing speculation about his future for 2026, with persistent rumours linking him to Mercedes.

These rumours intensified when George Russell, speaking during media day at the Austrian Grand Prix, confirmed that Mercedes boss Toto Wolff had been in talks with the Red Bull star – delaying Russell’s own contract negotiations.

Ultimately, Max confirmed before the summer break in Hungary that he would remain with Red Bull for at least next season, committing to the Austrian team for the first year of the new power unit regulations.

In an exclusive interview with Viaplay, Max and Jos agreed they had discussed the future in great depth.

"Also a lot" Jos replied, when asked how long the duo spent speaking about Mercedes. "It's not that we only talk about it a lot this year. 

"This year, nevertheless, a bit more than the years before. Also a lot of nonsense comes along [with the rumours]. But we also talk about Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull. That makes sense."

There had been speculation that Verstappen was considering a move to Mercedes for the new regulations due to expectations it will transition well into the new era of the sport, whilst Red Bull will supply its own power units for the first time. 

In the end, Verstappen made the final decision on where he wants to be next year, though he did hold discussions with his father and manager, Raymond Vermeulen.

"I have to choose for myself what I want," said Max, to which Jos added: "We always talk about it with Raymond Vermeulen, Max and myself, but he makes the final decision." 

Max continued: "It's obviously a close-knit group together. We also talk about a lot of things outside of Formula 1, but important decisions are of course always gone through thoroughly."