Max Verstappen would most likely not join Mercedes as he not only has a contract with Red Bull till 2028, but also because of controversial history between the two arch-rivals in F1.

Helmut Marko [L], Max Verstappen [C], Toto Wolff [R] (images via IMAGO).

Lewis Hamilton has confirmed his unexpected move to Ferrari for 2025 even before the 2024 season was underway. Hence, Mercedes’ Toto Wolff is actively searching for a driver to fill the empty seat of the seven-time world champion. However, Helmut Marko recently denied any possibility of the reigning world champion Max Verstappen joining Brackley after the Briton’s exit.

Marko highlighted that the Austrian boss would like to try and acquire the reigning world champion as part of the drivers’ lineup. However, this task isn’t as easy as it seems, since Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028. Additionally, Milton Keynes has been providing the 26-year-old with the best skillset and machinery to display his best results down the season.

Toto is going to try, but he will not be successful.

Apart from this, Mercedes made serious allegations over the 2021 championship result in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen emerged victorious and clinched his maiden championship under controversial circumstances. Marko explained that the world champion didn’t forget those accusations and had a good recollection of them. Additionally, the Silverstone crash between the two drivers was also a huge moment for the Dutchman. Hence, an early entry for the 26-year-old into Brackley is highly unlikely, keeping these points in mind.

Max has a good memory and has not forgotten Mercedes’ accusations. The 2021 Silverstone crash and the Abu Dhabi season finale are examples of this.

Max Verstappen did not completely deny a Mercedes entry mid-contract

Regardless of the wishes of Toto Wolff and Helmut Marko, Max Verstappen has a mind of his own. Although the Red Bull-Verstappen duo is deadly and most likely wouldn’t change, the 26-year-old wasn’t entirely against the idea of joining Mercedes. The reigning world champion highlighted that the environment in Brackley was very different compared to Red Bull.

Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Helmut Marko (via IMAGO)

Additionally, the Dutchman highlighted that it was very important to stay true to oneself and speak your mind over anything. Hence, the team didn’t matter for the prodigy, if a team wanted Verstappen, they’d make some efforts. Apart from this, the 26-year-old also claimed that he could probably adapt to changes to some extent, further hinting at a potential Mercedes move.

Regardless of the speculations, Max Verstappen will stay at Red Bull for 2024 and display some great results. However, it will be hard to replicate the 2023 performance as that was something way out of the ordinary. Hence, the team prepares for the challenges in the upcoming season and keeps on bringing about minuscule changes to the team.