Speculation is mounting around Max Verstappen's future in Formula 1, with rumors suggesting a potential "handshake deal" between his father, Jos Verstappen, and Mercedes. This development has sparked discussions about a possible team switch for Verstappen when new F1 regulations are introduced in 2026.
Reports from German media suggest that Jos Verstappen and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff have reached a gentleman's agreement that might facilitate Max's transition to Mercedes. Although Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull until 2028, the agreement reportedly includes exit clauses allowing for a potential move in 2026 under specific conditions.
This speculation comes as Red Bull grapples with performance issues. The RB20's inconsistency has led to Verstappen's seven-race winless streak before the Singapore Grand Prix, diminishing his once-dominant lead in the championship. Meanwhile, rival Lando Norris is emerging as a credible threat.
Adding to the uncertainty is the performance outlook of Red Bull Powertrains, developed in collaboration with Ford from 2026. With Honda, Red Bull's engine partner since 2019, shifting its focus to Aston Martin, Red Bull faces significant challenges. Moreover, Adrian Newey, the former chief technical officer at Red Bull known for engineering race-winning cars, will join Aston Martin next year. His move could impact Red Bull's engineering performance and potentially attract Verstappen to Aston Martin.
While the rumored deal with Mercedes remains speculative, the period leading up to 2026 will be crucial. With regulatory changes on the horizon, teams are reassessing their strategies, making this a pivotal moment for Verstappen's career decisions.
