Amidst swirling rumors regarding Toto Wolff’s discussions with Max Verstappen, it’s not entirely impossible that the four-time world champion could join Mercedes in 2026. But would it be the right decision for the team? If so, who should be his teammate?
Although this scenario seems unlikely due to Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull lasting until 2028 and the difficulty of a potential exit, anything is possible in F1. Mercedes’ delay in confirming its 2026 lineup only fuels speculation. Wolff hasn’t denied ongoing conversations, and current lead driver George Russell acknowledges that Verstappen is indeed on Wolff’s radar. Thus, while the odds are against it, a Verstappen-Mercedes partnership isn’t out of the question.
Verstappen–Antonelli: Best Prospect for the Future – Ronald Vording
Toto Wolff has been eyeing Max Verstappen for quite some time, as articulated by George Russell. The narrative dates back to 2014, when Wolff sought to bring Verstappen in but planned for a year in GP2 first—only for Red Bull to act quickly. Discussions last year didn’t lead to a move, but with new regulations on the horizon and encouraging updates about Mercedes’ power units, the time may still be right.
If Verstappen were to shift teams, the pressing question would be his potential partner. Andrea Kimi Antonelli could be a solid choice, not only because of Verstappen’s rapport with Russell but also due to Antonelli’s promising performances this year. Although new drivers inevitably make mistakes, Antonelli’s achievements, like a sprint pole in Miami and a podium in Canada, demonstrate his talent at just 18 years old.
Verstappen-Russell: Opt for the Strongest Lineup – Oleg Karpov
Given George Russell’s impressive performance this season, it’s surprising he hasn’t secured a 2026 contract with Mercedes. Russell himself notes that even if the chance of signing Verstappen is slim, ignoring it is not an option. As a Mercedes junior who excelled against Lewis Hamilton, letting him go would seem unfair. Russell has shown he belongs among the elite drivers in F1.
However, if Wolff successfully persuades Verstappen to join, it’s assumed Russell’s seat would be the one to go. Wolff might not want to let go of Antonelli, a potential future star. Yet, F1 is about performance, and the best possible lineup for 2026 would remain Russell alongside Verstappen, despite the harsh implications for Antonelli. The young Italian could benefit from a seat at a customer team, allowing him to continue growing.
Russell and Antonelli: Maintain the Current Duo – Ben Hunt
Mercedes should focus on keeping George Russell and not pursue Max Verstappen. While Wolff’s interest in Verstappen is justifiable given his status as the top driver, adding him could hinder the growth of Antonelli, a driver they see as the future. Verstappen’s history suggests he can overshadow teammates, which could stifle Antonelli’s development.
Moreover, Verstappen has expressed discontent with F1, further questioning his long-term viability. In a time of uncertainty with new regulations, maintaining stability with Russell and Antonelli could be the best strategy. Russell’s continuity could provide the team with a harmonious partnership moving forward, especially if they regain success like they did during the early years of turbo hybrid engines.
