Verstappen to Mercedes F1 switch not ruled out

Jos Verstappen has not ruled out the possibility of his son Max switching to Mercedes for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

An altercation between Jos Verstappen and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has been a hot topic of conversation in Austria.

According to the former F1 driver, Horner did not want Verstappen senior to take part in a 'Legends Parade' at the circuit.

Horner responded to the suggestion as tension between the pair, which was publicly sparked earlier this year, emerged once again.

Asked by Sky Deutschland about his son's immediate future with the Red Bull team, Verstappen Sr. said: “There is so much going on, so I don't want to say too much about it.”

The intra-team power struggle which has been present for much of the year has seen three-time world champion Verstappen linked with a drive to Mercedes despite having a contract at Red Bull in place until 2028.

With Mercedes' Toto Wolff heavily pursuing the Dutchman's signature, Verstappen Sr. was asked if a switch to the Brackley-based squad is not out of the question for Max, to which he replied: “Correct."

Verstappen's comments came moments after Max took sprint pole in Austria, an effort praised by his father.

"Everyone is close together and Max drove a perfect lap.,” he said. “He was very strong. It will be a nice race and I think Max was satisfied."