Max Verstappen has a long-term contract through 2028, so the Red Bull seat should be the safest place for him. But the deal was made on the basis of performance, which could allow a move. On the other hand, Mercedes is yet to confirm the driver for 2026. It can turn out as an option for him

Max Verstappen at the Red Bull Ring is usually a recipe for success. Verstappen remains at risk of a one-race ban for too many penalty points, Red Bull teammate Yuki Tsunoda is usually too far adrift to help him,

The idea of Max Verstappen joining Mercedes would have seemed outlandish when he fought Lewis Hamilton in the contentious title decider in 2021