Mercedes told Max Verstappen dream won’t happen – but in 2026…
Max Verstappen won’t leave Red Bull for Mercedes next year but 2026 represents a fresh opportunity, it has been predicted.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has placed Verstappen at the top of his wish-list to replace Lewis Hamilton, who will go to Ferrari next year.
The furore at Red Bull behind-the-scenes – which now looks set to include Adrian Newey’s exit – has given Mercedes hope of poaching Verstappen.
“I wouldn’t leave a car that’s winning,” F1 tech expert Albert Fabrega told the F1 Nation podcast when asked about Verstappen.
“It’s a chess game that is playing on the table, with a lot of factors and a lot of drivers involved.
“But if I was Max Verstappen? I wouldn’t leave the seat of a car that, I guess, in 2025 is going to be the winning car.
“If you asked me the same question about 2026?
“Then I’m not sure. I will not put any money…
