Max Verstappen’s Shocking Revelation Sparks Mercedes Move Rumors: Is Red Bull’s Reign at Risk in 2025?

Formula 1 is no stranger to drama, but Max Verstappen’s latest comments have sent shockwaves through the paddock, igniting speculation about a seismic shift that could reshape the grid. The four-time world champion, long the cornerstone of Red Bull’s dominance, has openly questioned his team’s competitiveness for the 2025 season, hinting at a potential move to Mercedes if things don’t improve. With internal turmoil at Red Bull and a fierce mid-season development battle looming, could the Dutch superstar really abandon the team that made him a legend? Here’s why Verstappen’s words are turning heads—and why Mercedes might be the perfect fit for his next chapter.

The 2025 season hasn’t even started, yet Verstappen is already sounding the alarm about Red Bull’s prospects. Speaking candidly after pre-season testing in Bahrain, the 27-year-old admitted the RB21 isn’t where it needs to be to fight for wins, particularly at the upcoming season opener in Melbourne. “I don’t think we can fight for the win already in Melbourne,” Verstappen said, pointing to at least one team—widely speculated to be McLaren, with their “nice orange color”—being ahead in pure performance. While he noted some setup tweaks could help, his tone was far from optimistic. “We still have work to do,” he added, acknowledging that Red Bull’s steep decline since last year shows no immediate signs of reversal. For a driver who thrives on winning, this lack of faith in his machinery is a red flag—and one that could set the stage for a dramatic exit.

Verstappen’s Mercedes move statement

Red Bull’s drop off in performance has led to genuine concerns that Verstappen could end his contract with the team early and join another team for when the new regulations sweep into the sport in 2026.

Verstappen is officially contracted until 2028, but exit clauses are believed to be present in his Red Bull contract.

Aston Martin have been rumoured to be lining up a sweep for the 27-year-old, although the team have denied reports linking them to his signature, while Mercedes boss Toto Wolff named Verstappen as his ‘number one’ target when Lewis Hamilton left the team.

Mercedes eventually opted to replace Hamilton with youngster Kimi Antonelli, but are believed to still be interested in Verstappen if the opportunity should arise.

Now, Verstappen’s father, former F1 driver Jos Verstappen, has issued a statement regarding comments about alleged Verstappen meetings with Wolff.

Speaking to Ziggo Sport, Renger van der Zande said: “I saw something passing by that Max had landed in Eindhoven, and then Toto Wolff’s plane also happened to land there half an hour later, and also left again with a difference of half an hour.

“So those conversations, of course they are there. I don’t know if Max is having them himself, maybe it’s already been arranged. You never know.”

His co-host Jack Plooij added: “Contracts are meant to be broken. If that car doesn’t perform and with all the performance clauses and all that, he can just get out. It’s been settled for a long time, he’ll just be driving for Mercedes in 2026.”

Jos Verstappen responded firmly to these suggestions, pouring cold water on the rumours after taking to X to simply state: “Jack Jack Jack, you are talking nonsense.”