Mercedes Chairman and CEO Ora Carenius is reportedly giving the green light for Max Verstappen’s potential move. According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Carenius has approved completing the major transfer involving the four-time Red Bull World Champion. The release clause to activate Verstappen’s exit from his current contract, which extends through 2028, is estimated to be around 120 million euros. However, the clause itself remains a significant hurdle.
Verstappen’s contract includes performance-related conditions, with varying reports on whether he must finish outside the top three or top four in the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship by the Hungarian Grand Prix in early August to activate the clause. Currently, the 27-year-old Dutch driver is third, 18 points ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, whose own contract is ending this year and has yet to be renewed despite strong performances.
La Gazzetta also hints that Verstappen might find alternative means to exit his Red Bull contract if the release clause isn’t met. Speculation intensified after it was revealed Verstappen and Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff were seen together in Sardinia last week. Former F1 driver Ralph Schumacher noted rumors of a meeting between the two, suggesting it wasn’t mere coincidence they were in the same place.
This development follows the recent firing of Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who had been with the team for 20 years. Red Bull’s move to remove Horner is believed to be a strategy to influence Verstappen’s decision amid a longstanding conflict between Horner and Verstappen’s father, Joss.
Fan Take: This news is huge for motorsport enthusiasts as it could reshape the F1 grid by bringing one of its biggest stars to Mercedes, renewing a legendary rivalry. Such a move would not only shift the competitive dynamics but heighten excitement and unpredictability for upcoming seasons.
