A source close to the Verstappen family has revealed new details about the four-time world champion's next chapter — and it reportedly points straight to Brackley.
Max Verstappen is set to leave Red Bull Racing after four world championships and sign with Mercedes, according to Dutch journalist Jack Plooij. The broadcaster, speaking on Race Café — Ziggo Sport's flagship motorsport show — claims the move is happening, citing a conversation he personally overheard involving Jos Verstappen, Max's father.
"Robert Doornbos and I were together in the garage," Plooij recounted on air. "Jos Verstappen was standing right in front of us. And what did he say? He simply said: 'We're going to Mercedes.'"
Plooij did not shy away from the implications of what that would mean for the Silver Arrows' lineup: "I still think there's a strong chance this happens, because we heard it directly from Jos. What would that mean for George Russell? Show me what you're made of — put your money where your mouth is. If Kimi Antonelli gets the chance to move to Ferrari, Verstappen could end up driving alongside Russell. That would be absolutely fascinating to watch."
This is far from the first time a Verstappen-Mercedes link has surfaced. The possibility was widely discussed last year, fuelled by reports of private meetings between Max and Toto Wolff during the summer break — conversations that, at the time, set the paddock buzzing with speculation about a potential move.
Why is the Mercedes engine considered illegal?
The compression ratio for the internal combustion engine is mandated at 16:1 for 2026. However, there is talk within the paddock that Mercedes' unit may reach 18:1 once it hits optimal operating temperature — a figure significantly above the permitted ceiling.
Under current regulations, the FIA measures compression ratios at ambient temperature, which returns the compliant 16:1 figure for Mercedes. But since a higher compression ratio translates directly into greater power output, rival manufacturers — Audi, Ferrari, and Honda — have demanded that the ratio be locked at 16:1 under all conditions, including when the engine is fully warmed up.
Red Bull Ford is said to be developing its own technical response to the situation, while the FIA has held a series of meetings with all engine manufacturers to address the controversy. Mercedes, for their part, have not taken the accusations lightly.
"Our engine is legal. The FIA has confirmed it. We comply with every regulation without exception," team principal Toto Wolff told De Telegraaf. "It appears that secret meetings have been held and correspondence sent regarding our power unit. Make sure your own house is in order."
Reports also suggest that Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius is backing Wolff's position and has gone further, reportedly threatening legal action if the power unit is declared illegal.