Mercedes is reportedly planning high-level talks with Max Verstappen and his management after next week’s Miami Grand Prix, as the Brackley squad continues its audacious bid to lure the Dutchman away from Red Bull.
According to German website F1-Insider, the all-important meeting scheduled to take place between Miami and Imola will bring together Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius and the team’s other shareholders Toto Wolff and Sir James Ratcliffe (Ineos) on one side of the table and Max Verstappen, his father Jos and manager Raymond Vermeulen on the other side.
Mercedes’ heavyweight delegation inevitably underscores the seriousness of its pursuit.
It’s been rumored that Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull – which theoretically runs until the end of 2028 – includes an escape clause that would allow the three-time world champion to depart the Milton Keynes-based outfit should Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko leave the energy drink company.
It’s unclear however if such a clause also applies to Red Bull chief technology officer Adrian Newey who is expected to leave the championship winning outfit at the end of 2024.
F1-Insider reports that money is not an object for Mercedes. Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton's vacated salary of over €50 million will be available, and the team would reinvest part of its recent profits to sweeten the deal.
Additionally, a lucrative long-term brand ambassador contract is on the table. Financially, Mercedes is pulling out all the stops.
However, money is reportedly a secondary concern for Verstappen, who will be seeking guarantees over Mercedes’ competitive future and its ability to pull itself out of its current slump to recoup its former status as a consistent winner in F1.
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It is believed that the sport’s upcoming 2026 engine and chassis regulation changes might tip the scales in Mercedes' favor.
Their technical expertise – especially on the engine front – could propel them back to the top, just like the 2014 engine revolution.
Verstappen's move to Mercedes wouldn’t just strengthen the German outfit, it would also significantly weaken Red Bull, its major competitor.
This strategic advantage adds another layer to Mercedes' pursuit of the Dutch driver.
With negotiations on the horizon, the coming weeks could see another seismic shift in the F1 driver market. Will Verstappen be tempted by Mercedes' mega-offer, or will he remain loyal to Red Bull?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the future of Formula 1 might hinge on the outcome of the upcoming high-stakes talks between Mercedes and Grand Prix racing’s top driver.
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