In what could be the biggest power move of the post-Hamilton era, Mercedes is reportedly prepared to go all-in to secure the most dominant force in Formula 1 today Max Verstappen. As rumors intensify around discontent at Red Bull, the Silver Arrows are ready to open the vault and make a game-changing offer. Could the king of Red Bull soon wear silver?
A New Era at Mercedes
With Lewis Hamilton set to join Ferrari in 2025, Mercedes faces the daunting challenge of filling not just a seat, but a legacy. Hamilton brought the team six drivers’ championships, and with his departure, Mercedes is searching not only for performance but for star power.
And who better to take the baton than the reigning champion and current benchmark of modern F1: Max Verstappen.
According to well-placed sources in the paddock, Mercedes has “greenlit” an aggressive proposal to lure Verstappen away from Red Bull. The plan isn’t just about money it’s about power, influence, and long-term vision.
The Offer: More Than Just a Paycheck
Reports suggest Mercedes is ready to offer Verstappen the largest contract in its F1 history, surpassing even Hamilton’s most lucrative years. But the financial package is only part of the story.
The deal on the table is said to include:
- A multi-year contract with guaranteed performance bonuses
- A leading role in car development heading into the 2026 regulation changes
- Commercial incentives, including personal branding integration with Mercedes’ global marketing machine
- Team leadership influence, positioning Verstappen as the central figure in a rebuilding era
In short: Mercedes wants to build the team around Verstappen the same way they once did around Hamilton.
Why Verstappen Might Consider Leaving
At first glance, the idea of Verstappen leaving Red Bull a team that has delivered him three world championships and a near-perfect car seems implausible. But the cracks are starting to show.
Tensions have been bubbling within Red Bull Racing. The controversy surrounding team principal Christian Horner earlier this season, combined with reports of internal divisions and a potential breakdown in key relationships such as with Adrian Newey have cast a shadow over the once-stable powerhouse.
Verstappen, fiercely loyal to his father Jos and known for valuing a tight-knit, drama-free environment, is rumored to be growing weary of the internal noise. If the Red Bull structure continues to fracture, he may start looking elsewhere.
Mercedes, sensing the opportunity, is positioning itself as the clean, professional, championship-caliber alternative.
What Would It Mean for the Grid?
If Mercedes were to pull this off, the entire landscape of F1 would shift overnight.
- Mercedes would re-emerge as the team to beat, combining their resources and infrastructure with the sport’s best driver.
- Red Bull would face a potential leadership vacuum, especially if Verstappen’s exit coincides with other departures (Newey, Horner, or Marko).
- The driver market would erupt into chaos, with seats at Red Bull, Mercedes, and possibly Aston Martin up for grabs as teams scramble to respond.
It would also reignite the epic rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton this time from opposite ends of the paddock.
What Verstappen Has Said
So far, Verstappen has remained publicly loyal to Red Bull. In recent interviews, he has deflected questions about the future, focusing instead on “doing the job on track.” But when asked directly about long-term plans, he’s left the door ajar:
“I’m happy where I am now, but F1 changes quickly. You never say never.”
It’s a far cry from the iron-clad loyalty he once projected and Mercedes is listening.
Toto Wolff’s Masterplan
Toto Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal and CEO, has never hidden his admiration for Verstappen even during the fiercest moments of their 2021 battle.
In the post-Hamilton world, Wolff knows Mercedes needs more than a solid replacement. They need a statement. Securing Verstappen wouldn’t just keep them competitive it would send a message to every team on the grid: Mercedes is not done.
And with the 2026 regulations looming, Wolff may see this as the perfect moment to rebuild his empire with Verstappen as the foundation.
🚨| JUST IN:
— Mercedes Hub (@MercedesF1_Hub) April 26, 2024
Max Verstappen and his team will meet with Mercedes after the Miami GP to negotiate his possible signing in 2025.
Mercedes are willing to offer him 150 million euros, an ambassador contract and they could even bring in Helmut Marko.
[@SoyMotor] pic.twitter.com/piiEwSJ19t
Conclusion: The Biggest Transfer in F1 History?
Formula 1 has seen seismic moves before Schumacher to Ferrari, Hamilton to Mercedes but Verstappen to Mercedes could top them all. It’s a high-stakes gamble, but for Mercedes, it may be the only play bold enough to keep them at the front.
If Verstappen wants legacy, power, and a new challenge… the offer is on the table.
Now, the ball is in his court.