Max Verstappen’s management camp has scheduled talks with Mercedes after the Miami Grand Prix over a potential Formula 1 move in 2025, according to a report.
Verstappen retains a contract with Red Bull through 2028 and the partnership has continued to dominate F1 this term with four victories from the opening five races.
But the Dutchman’s future has been speculated over recent months amid the tension that has emanated since a probe into Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner.
Although Horner was exonerated from allegations of coercive behaviour, Max’s father, Jos, claimed in Bahrain that his continued presence could “tear apart” Red Bull.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has been observing developments from afar amid the disclosure that Verstappen is his top target to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.
The Austrian, 52, suggested last weekend in China that Mercedes’ struggles would not prevent it from landing Verstappen as there are “other factors” to contemplate.
Now, F1 Insider has reported that Max, his father Jos and manager Raymond Vermeulen will hold discussions with Mercedes shareholders between Miami and Imola.
The report goes on to comment that Wolff will be present alongside Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius and Sir Jim Ratcliffe as it attempts to persuade the Verstappen clan.
Mercedes would sanction a lucrative proposal which could rise to €150 million per annum with bonuses accounting for both Hamilton’s wage and the brand’s income.
The contract would also enable Verstappen to be tied to the three-pointed star as an ambassador that extends outside his racing duties in the short-to-medium term.
Verstappen electing to cut short his agreement with Red Bull would be achieved through an exit clause in his contract in the circumstance Helmut Marko is removed.
Marko, who is an advisor to Red Bull Racing, was the individual who pressed to hand Verstappen his F1 debut at 17 and accelerated his promotion to the senior team.
Amid Marko’s outburst that he could be suspended last month, Verstappen chimed in to highlight that there would be a “problem” if the Austrian stalwart was ousted.
But with Marko, 80, transpiring to remain in his position, Verstappen’s departure could be facilitated with Mercedes providing a position to his most trusted confidant.
F1 Insider has disclosed that the atmosphere between Verstappen/Marko and Horner is now “poisonous”, despite Red Bull continuing to reign supreme on the track.
With Aston Martin, Ferrari and McLaren not viable options for 2025, Mercedes would remain Verstappen’s realistic destination in the scenario his Red Bull exit occurs.
However, Verstappen would require guarantees that Mercedes will be in more competitive shape than at present, having failed to log a single podium thus far in 2024.
Although Mercedes would struggle to return to title-contending shape next season, the introduction of all-new technical regulations for 2026 will provide opportunities.
Red Bull’s chances at remaining ahead could be compromised with the news that technical genius Adrian Newey is considering resigning from his leading design role.
The revamped rules are rumoured to be leaning towards an engine-dominated formula, which Mercedes capitalised on in 2014 to open a run of eight consecutive titles.
Verstappen is set to demand that the German marque attempt to obtain notable personnel from Red Bull as a means to smoothen his transition to a new environment.
