match90mins

**Max Verstappen to Mercedes in 2026? Sky Sports Italy Drops Bombshell Report**

 

In what could become one of the most seismic moves in modern Formula 1 history, **Sky Sports Italy** has reported that **Max Verstappen has agreed in principle to join Mercedes in 2026**, replacing **George Russell**. While the reigning World Champion remains under contract with **Red Bull Racing until 2028**, whispers of internal tension and existing **exit clauses** have long fueled speculation about a potential departure.

 

### 🔥 What’s the Latest?

 

According to the Sky Sports Italy report:

 

> *”Max Verstappen is close to joining Mercedes. The reigning World Champion—whose contract with Red Bull expires in 2028—has said yes to Toto Wolff’s offer.”*

 

It adds that **Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff** now faces the final hurdle: **convincing the Mercedes board** to greenlight the move. The hesitation reportedly stems not from Verstappen’s talent—but from confidence in the team’s upcoming 2026 car, when sweeping new regulations are set to reset the playing field.

 

### 🤯 Why This Is Shocking

 

* **George Russell out?** Despite impressive performances in 2025, Russell appears to be the odd man out. While **Kimi Antonelli** and Russell both have contracts expiring at the end of this season, it’s Russell’s seat that now looks vulnerable.

* **Verstappen’s Red Bull future has been shaky.** Internal Red Bull politics, including drama involving team principal **Christian Horner**, have reportedly left Verstappen and his camp (notably father **Jos Verstappen**) frustrated with the environment.

 

### 📜 A Long Time Coming

 

This wouldn’t be a sudden infatuation. Toto Wolff had **lengthy talks with Max back in 2014**, but Red Bull swooped in first. The interest never truly died down. And with Mercedes eyeing a post-Hamilton era—**Lewis Hamilton departs for Ferrari in 2025**—Verstappen is the crown jewel they’ve long wanted.

 

### 🚪 Exit Clauses in Play

 

Though Verstappen’s contract runs until 2028, reports have consistently indicated **performance-related exit clauses**. If Red Bull falters—especially under the 2026 regulation overhaul—those clauses could become his escape route.

 

—

 

### 💬 What Happens to Russell?

 

The potential departure of Russell, who has been strong and consistent, would certainly raise eyebrows. However, Formula 1 is a performance business—and when a driver like Max Verstappen becomes available, few seats are safe.

 

—

 

### 🧩 What’s Next?

 

* **Mercedes board approval** is now the final checkpoint.

* If it goes through, we could see **a Verstappen-Antonelli pairing** in 2026—youth and dominance in one garage.

* For Red Bull, this could signal the end of their golden era unless they find a capable successor fast.

 

—

 

### 🏁 Bottom Line

 

If confirmed, **Verstappen to Mercedes** would be the biggest driver move since **Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013**—and could reshape the F1 grid for years to come.

 

Stay tuned. This saga is just getting started.