Max Verstappen won’t be joining Mercedes for the 2025 season, but the option remains on the table for 2026. The reigning world champion considered leaving Red Bull amid instability and conflict behind the scenes. Verstappen’s camp held talks with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who needed a replacement for the Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton. Kimi Antonelli was always the most realistic option, and the academy graduate will indeed partner George Russell next year. Helmut Marko’s contract extension removed an exit clause in Verstappen’s contract, which runs until the end of 2028. Marko’s future had been…
