Max Verstappen to Mercedes rumours reignite after Toto Wolff and Jos meeting

Max Verstappen's future at Red Bull is back under scrutiny after his father, Jos Verstappen, was seen meeting Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff in Montreal. The conversation took place ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, reigniting rumours that have circulated for two seasons.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's contract with Red Bull runs through 2028, but a performance-related exit clause could allow him to leave if he's not in the top two of the standings by the summer break. Currently sitting seventh in the championship, that clause might soon become active, making Mercedes a plausible destination for the four-time world champion.

The details:

• Jos Verstappen was filmed in Mercedes' hospitality alongside Toto Wolff and deputy team principal Bradley Lord, as reported by Sky F1's Craig Slater.
• Wolff recently stated there are "not any Max discussions" and that he is happy with his current drivers, Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. However, the timing of the meeting contradicts that cooling message.
• Verstappen has a GT3 racing deal with Mercedes for 2026, which could serve as a bridge to a full F1 move. He and his team nearly won the Nürburgring 24 Hours last week before a driveshaft failure.
• McLaren CEO Zak Brown speculated that if Verstappen leaves Red Bull, Mercedes is the most likely destination.

What's next:

Verstappen has hinted at potentially leaving F1 after 2026, underwhelmed by the new regulations. If he stays, the paddock expects a competitive bidding war, with Mercedes as a prime contender. The Montreal meeting may be coincidental, but it adds fuel to the fire as the summer break approaches.