Reports have emerged that Max Verstappen is set to be offered a mouth-watering deal to leave Red Bull.
It is believed Mercedes is eyeing up a swoop for the Dutch driver, following a myriad of comments from Toto Wolff over recent weeks about wanting to bring Verstappen to his team.
If correct, it would see the Brackley-based outfit offer the three-time F1 drivers' champion a contract worth €150 million per year, including bonuses - this is according to OE24 and F1 Insider.
It has been mooted that talks will begin as early as this week, at the Miami Grand Prix.
After what has been a turbulent few months for Red Bull, this rumour will do nothing to quell the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the team.
The internal turmoil, as a result of the now-dismissed allegations made against team principal Christian Horner, and the ensuing power struggle it has apparently caused is believed to be at the heart of recent speculation that chief technical officer and legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey is looking to leave the Milton Keynes-based squad.
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A package deal?
Whilst Verstappen is contracted until the end of the 2028 season, there is said to be a break clause in his deal that would allow him to leave if advisor Dr Helmut Marko also departs the team. The Dutchman is known to have a strong relationship with the 81-year-old Austrian.
Therefore, if Mercedes are to prize him away from Red Bull early, Marko may come as part of a package deal - something that has also been suggested.
The multi-faceted and developing situation is thought to have led to uncertainty in the 'Verstappen camp', which has been compounded with concerns over Red Bull's ability to continue its domination of F1 into the next power unit and chassis regulations cycle at the start of 2026 - insecurities Mercedes is trying to take advantage of.
Do you think Verstappen will leave Red Bull for Mercedes next year? Let us know below in the latest RacingNews365 poll.
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Lorileeca
Let's see if Max leaves Redbull for a team with a substandard car that he may take to the occassional podium . Max is a great driver, Mercedes is not a great car,
BeniHana
If Newey leaves then the Max show might start to peak at the competition. If Newey stays then why bother getting paid millions without a championship? RN365 just puts out these rumour articles everyday and quite frankly it's getting ridiculous. This is not a news site anymore is a tabloid for sports.
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flash
@BeniHana, Could,nt have put it any better, Mostly click bait, and comments from has been driver / turned pundits, Dont think this is what Mr Renckin had in mind for 365
rogerhenson1
You think RN365 is a tabloid site you should check out Planet F1 .com. I just thought this site ran some BULL. Those people are off the chain over there.
BeniHana
Lol, I have seen Planet F1, hence why I am here. 🤣
OlaJ
Why would he leave in 2025, Red Bull will probably be as dominant next year. Already got all the money he needs(?) so car is way more important. Newey or no Newey will make no difference for next year. And Mercedes seem to have lost it, might even be for good. In 2026 with new rules, like Sainz put it, its a coin toss.. if anything perhaps he could follow Honda to Aston. Or why not just wait it out and get the lay of the new land before picking team.. and/or picking money depending whats more important.
Paul_SL
This used to be a legitimate F1 news source. Sorry folks, for those of you who bailed on PF1 thinking you would get straight up news welcome to PF1 Ver2.