Key Issue Raised Behind Potential Max Verstappen–Mercedes Switch

The future of Max Verstappen has once again become a talking point in the Formula 1 paddock, but former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes there is a fundamental issue that complicates any potential move to Mercedes.

Over the past two seasons, Verstappen has repeatedly been linked with a switch to the Silver Arrows. On both occasions, however, the four-time world champion opted to remain with Red Bull Racing. Verstappen is currently under contract with the Milton Keynes-based team until the end of the 2028 season, although performance-related clauses could allow him to leave earlier.

With Formula 1 entering a new power unit era in 2026, uncertainty surrounds Red Bull’s competitive position, particularly as the team will run its own power unit for the first time. That uncertainty has reignited speculation over Verstappen’s long-term future.

Asked whether Verstappen’s future could become a major storyline again this year, Schumacher shared his view on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast.

“I think this will only concern us if the car does not work for whatever reason,” Schumacher said.

“On the other hand, what are the alternatives? I still don’t see Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff fitting well together.”

According to Schumacher, the question is not purely technical or contractual, but also one of personal compatibility.

“Somehow they don’t really fit together; I don’t know why,” he added.

Schumacher also suggested that other teams could be more natural destinations should Verstappen ever become available.

“Of course, a team like McLaren would do anything for Max Verstappen if they had the opportunity and a seat available,” Schumacher said.
“The same goes for Aston Martin.”

Red Bull Seen as Verstappen’s ‘Home’

Last season appeared to be the most realistic window for the 28-year-old to leave Red Bull, particularly during the middle of the year when issues with the RB22 were at their most pronounced. At that point, speculation over a possible exit intensified.

However, the internal situation at Red Bull shifted significantly following the departure of Christian Horner and the appointment of Laurent Mekies as team principal. From that moment, the team’s trajectory began to stabilise.

A series of upgrades allowed Verstappen to return to dominant form, even though he ultimately fell short in the drivers’ championship. More importantly, the overall atmosphere within the team appeared to improve markedly.

That change has convinced Schumacher that a short-term departure is now unlikely.

“Red Bull is, of course, a piece of home,” Schumacher said.

“And I must say that Max Verstappen felt extremely comfortable towards the end of last season, and you really feel that it has become a unit.”

Schumacher went further in underlining Verstappen’s central role within the organisation.

“So I wouldn’t question that at all right now,” he added.
“And where does he already have something like that? The team practically belongs to him—you simply have to say that.”

With internal stability restored and Verstappen firmly embedded at the centre of Red Bull’s project, Schumacher’s assessment suggests that speculation surrounding a Mercedes move will only resurface if Red Bull fails to deliver a competitive package under the new regulations. Until then, Red Bull remains the environment where Verstappen is seen as most secure—and most influential.