Jos Verstappen denies Mercedes rumours around Max Verstappen’s future

Jos Verstappen has moved to shut down fresh speculation linking Max Verstappen with a future switch to Mercedes, rejecting claims made by former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher over alleged contract talks.

Jos Verstappen Responds to Schumacher Claim

Schumacher had suggested on Sky Sports Germany’s Backstage Pit Lane podcast that Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff approached Verstappen with a potential contract. According to Schumacher, the offer was rejected because it was “so bad financially.” He also claimed Verstappen had “refused” Red Bull’s “desperate” attempt to keep him beyond his current deal.

The denial adds another layer to an already sensitive storyline around Verstappen’s future. It also continues a pattern of public disagreement between Jos Verstappen and Schumacher, who have previously clashed over comments concerning Red Bull’s internal situation and the team’s outlook following Dr Helmut Marko’s exit.

For further context on the original claim, Schumacher’s comments were previously covered in detail here: Ralf Schumacher claims Mercedes made Verstappen an offer, but he turned it down.

Red Bull Contract Still Central to the Debate

Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, but speculation continues because reports suggest performance-related clauses could create a possible exit route. If Red Bull cannot provide a competitive package, the question of Verstappen’s future will remain one of the paddock’s dominant themes.

Mercedes would be an obvious name in that conversation. The Brackley-based team has emerged as the benchmark under F1’s new regulations, while Wolff has never hidden his admiration for Verstappen. At the same time, the Mercedes boss remains committed to his current driver line-up.

McLaren Also Enters the Conversation

Mercedes is not the only team being mentioned. McLaren has also been linked to Verstappen following the team’s move to secure GianPiero Lambiase, Verstappen’s long-time race engineer. That development has fuelled speculation that Verstappen could form part of McLaren’s future plans.

For now, Jos Verstappen’s denial cuts through the latest Mercedes rumour. But until Red Bull returns to the front, questions over Max Verstappen’s next move are unlikely to disappear.