After the announcement of the passage of Nico Hulkenberg in Sauber in 2025, the starting grid has one less question mark. In theory. Why Max Verstappen, under contract with Red Bull until 2028, appears to be intending to negotiate with Mercedes, the rival team in the year of its first world title.
The world champion's contract actually has one clause which would allow him to terminate the agreement early in the event of Helmut Marko's departure. Regarding this, the Austrian consultant has repeatedly made it clear that he will not hinder the Dutchman.
It had already been talked about of this move a few weeks ago, only to then silence any rumors about it. After the news of possible farewell to Red Bull by Adrian NeweyHowever, the idea of seeing Verstappen without the Red Bull colors is back in vogue. The cause of Newey's alleged departure and Verstappen's eventual departure is the Horner case, which is less talked about but which has by no means been forgotten.
Miami, Waché and Marko: the steps to bring Verstappen to Mercedes
According to the head F1-Insider, after the Miami GP there will be a meeting between the Verstappen clan (Max, father Jos and manager Raymond Vermeulen) and some prominent figures linked to Mercedes: Hello Kallenius (chairman of the board of directors), Toto wolff e Sir James Ratcliffe of the sponsor Ineos. Each of them holds 33% of the team and, if they all find themselves at the same table, the reason will be no small one.
Verstappen, in any case, would not leave the team that has won the last two consecutive constructors' championships (and is awaiting the third) with one that is struggling to fight for fourth place without the guarantee of being able to fight at the top. For this reason, Mercedes is looking to bring some engineers from Milton Keynes to Brackley. One for all Pierre Waché, technical director.
The Silver Arrows are also ready to offer Verstappen a contract from 150 million euros per year and a role from ambassador of the brand at the end of his career. And it doesn't end here, in addition to Verstappen and Waché, Mercedes would be ready to also welcome Helmut Marko to convince the Dutchman.
