Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed during the opening day of the Austrian Grand Prix that talks had taken place with Max Verstappen over a possible move for 2026.
The Silver Arrows currently has both seats available for next season, due to George Russell and Kimi Antonelli being in need of a new contract.
Russell revealed on media day at the Red Bull Ring that his own contract talks with the Brackley-based team had been delayed by conversations between Mercedes and Verstappen.
Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, but has a contract clause which he could activate this summer to leave at the conclusion of the current campaign.
That clause is believed to be that if the Dutchman is outside the top three in the F1 drivers' title fight around the summer break, he can leave the Austrian outfit.
Speculation has existed for months that Wolff remains eager to sign the four-time world champion; however, this is the first time it has been confirmed to this extent in public.
Should Mercedes sign Verstappen for next season?
Have your say by voting in the poll below!
Also interesting:
WATCH: Max Verstappen Mercedes talks confirmed
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes and Nick Golding, as they discuss the opening day of Austrian Grand Prix action!
Don't miss out on any of the Formula 1 action thanks to this handy 2026 F1 calendar that can be easily loaded into your smartphone or PC.
Download the calenderMost read
In this article
Join the conversation!