The idea of Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull Racing for Mercedes continues to generate buzz among fans and experts alike. David ‘Crofty’ Croft from Sky Sports F1 has rekindled the conversation.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has openly praised Verstappen’s abilities. Additionally, the recent appearance of Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, at the Monaco Grand Prix has added another layer to the speculation. Croft mentioned on the Sky F1 podcast about the potential implications of Jos’s presence:
“Let’s go back to Monaco where the rumors of Verstappen joining Mercedes resurfaced. I received a few messages from people who heard Jos talking and said, ‘Max going to Mercedes isn’t entirely out of the picture yet.’”
Red Bull has faced challenges this season. Despite maintaining a dominant presence on the grid, allegations against Christian Horner and reported internal disputes have seemingly hindered the team from performing optimally. Additionally, the RB20 seemed to struggle in Monaco, with Verstappen finishing sixth and Sergio Perez crashing out on the first lap.
Simon Lazenby from Sky Sports remarked on Red Bull’s difficulties, calling it a low point for the team.
“For Red Bull, this season has been shaky. If you’re trying to keep your top driver and setup changes aren’t working with the RB20, it’s a clear sign there’s a problem.”
Mercedes has been preparing for the 2026 season, with their powertrain developments outpacing Red Bull’s collaboration with Ford. This advantage could be a significant factor in Verstappen’s decision, aligning his championship ambitions with the latest technological advancements available when the sport’s landscape shifts in over a year.
Despite the widespread discussions, both Croft and Lazenby emphasized that nothing is set in stone. Lazenby suggested, “If I were to place a bet, I’d say Antonelli will join Mercedes and Verstappen will stay.”
Croft summarized the situation: “It’s clear there are unresolved issues. Logically, Max should remain with Red Bull, but F1 has never been one to follow logic.”
