Max Verstappen refuses to be drawn over Mercedes speculation - ESPN

SILVERSTONE — Max Verstappen again refused to be drawn on ongoing speculation he might leave Red Bull for Mercedes in 2026.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has confirmed an interest in signing the four-time world champion for next year.

Sources have confirmed to ESPN Verstappen has a clause in his contract that would get him out of his Red Bull deal — currently running to 2028 — if he is lower than third going into the August summer break.

Verstappen is third at present, nine points ahead of Mercedes driver George Russell. Reports suggest Verstappen may replace Russell since the Englishman is yet to sign a contract beyond this season.

Last week Verstappen insisted his only focus is on improving Red Bull's 2025 car after a difficult run of results.

Asked about the rumours this week, he said: «I have nothing to add. Nothing has changed from my side.

»Last week we didn't have a great result. I think it was not a great weekend, but also a bit unlucky in general. I don't say of course that we would be challenging McLaren, but we could have had a decent result. And everything that I said that week is still the same. Nothing has changed from my side."

Last week, Wolff confirmed he will look to decide on his 2026 line-up during the summer break which follows the Hungarian Grand Prix at the start of August. This is also when Verstappen's clause would or would not be triggered in relation to his championship position.

Ultimately, no concrete decisions can be made on the Mercedes or Verstappen side until the Hungarian Grand Prix finishes.

ESPN understands Red Bull boss Christian Horner is relaxed about the situation, with many within the team feeling the Mercedes rumours are coming more from Verstappen's father Jos than from the reigning