Rumors of Verstappen jumping ship first erupted last year after Lewis Hamilton’s blockbuster move to Ferrari was confirmed. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff made it clear he’d love to sign the Dutchman to lead the Silver Arrows into F1’s new era starting in 2026, when new chassis and engine regulation changes will shake up the grid.

Reigning four-time Formula One champion Max Verstappen is reportedly considering changing teams for the 2026 season.

As Red Bull boss Christian Horner continues to make clear, Verstappen is under contract with the team through 2028. This allows Horner to dismiss the discussion around a potential Verstappen move as noise, as he did during the Austrian Grand Prix. However, as this former lawyer will tell you, there is always a way out.