Jos Verstappen, father of three-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen, was spotted in a private meeting with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff at an unassuming restaurant near Geneva. This unexpected encounter took place during a notably chaotic stretch in the current F1 season. However, what really stirred interest was that shortly afterward—just ten minutes later—Jos chose to divulge details from that conversation to the press.
Speaking to a Dutch TV outlet, Jos explained that their discussion covered “the future”—not just Max’s career path, but broader aspects of the sport. He also mentioned that Toto had presented several “interesting proposals.” Speculation immediately took off: could this mean Max is considering a switch from Red Bull to Mercedes?
Sources within Max’s camp have reportedly confirmed simmering discontent at Red Bull. Persistent friction between Max and team principal Christian Horner has been widely discussed, and the new technical leadership at Red Bull is said to be causing “communication problems.” This unease provides fertile ground for the rumours.
Mercedes, meanwhile, is in need of a marquee driver—with Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 leaving a significant gap. Jos’s revelation that “Max wants to race in an environment where he feels 100% supported” and that he’s contemplating his legacy “even if it means making hard choices” intensifies the buzz. Toto Wolff reportedly responded with humor, quipping to Horner: “Jos isn’t bad either
The social media reaction ranged from allegations of “betrayal” to praise for Max “escaping Red Bull’s internal politics.” Though neither team has officially confirmed contract negotiations, this clandestine meeting might foreshadow the most dramatic driver transfer since Schumacher’s leap from Benetton. If Max does indeed move to Mercedes, it would unquestionably reshape the F1 landscape.
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