Formula 1 once again has Max Verstappen’s future as one of the central themes of the paddock. After a complicated start to the 2026 season, the four-time champion’s name has once again been linked to Mercedes, now with clearer projections for a possible move starting in 2027.
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The current moment experienced by the Red Bull driver fuels speculation. Verstappen has already made it clear on more than one occasion that he is not satisfied with the category’s new cars and even admitted that he is not having fun, which leaves room to think about a change of direction in the coming years.
This type of scenario is not new. In 2025, the Dutchman was already at the center of rumors involving a possible move to Mercedes, with talks being associated with team principal Toto Wolff. At that time, however, the move did not happen.
Now, with the irregular start to 2026, the subject returns with force. For former driver Juan Pablo Montoya, the timing could be ideal for Verstappen to start this move, already thinking about the next Formula 1 cycle.
“Max should call Toto Wolff, who will be ready to sign him. In fact, I guarantee that this call has already happened,” Montoya told Casinostugan.
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The Colombian also highlighted Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s recent performance as a relevant factor in this equation. With two consecutive victories, the young driver is experiencing a great moment within the German team.
“Considering Kimi Antonelli’s victories in the last two races, it is the perfect time to take this decisive step,” he added.
Verstappen’s possible arrival at Mercedes would naturally raise doubts about George Russell’s future, who could be directly impacted by an eventual change in the team’s lineup.
Without any official confirmation, the scenario is still speculative, but it reinforces how the Formula 1 market could move in the coming years. With the new regulations and changes in the balance of power, strategic decisions like this could define the direction of the category from 2027 onwards.
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