As Mercedes gears up to debut their young prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli in FP1 at Monza, the buzz around Formula 1 circles is more about who could be joining—or leaving—the Silver Arrows in the near future. While Antonelli’s ascension to the F1 grid in 2025 seems all but confirmed, F1 veteran Johnny Herbert suggests that Mercedes hasn’t given up on their long-standing ambition: securing Max Verstappen.
Verstappen, who has been the cornerstone of Red Bull’s dominance in recent years, now finds himself in a less enviable position. Red Bull’s early-season dominance has dwindled, with the team winless since the Spanish GP in May. This downturn, coupled with significant internal changes—including the departures of key figures like Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley—has led to speculation that Verstappen could be lured away from Red Bull before his contract expires in 2028.
Mercedes’ Ambitions: Beyond 2024
When Lewis Hamilton made his shock decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari, the team found themselves with several options, including seasoned drivers like Carlos Sainz and even the potential of coaxing Sebastian Vettel out of retirement. However, as Herbert notes, the driver Mercedes covets most is Verstappen.
Talks between Verstappen’s camp and Mercedes’ team boss Toto Wolff have reportedly taken place, but with Verstappen currently unavailable, Mercedes has turned to Antonelli. Nevertheless, Herbert believes Mercedes is playing the long game, keeping the door open for Verstappen, especially as Red Bull’s grip on the championship loosens.
Red Bull’s Uncertain Future
Herbert paints a picture of a Red Bull team in turmoil, grappling with the loss of key personnel and a car that no longer dominates the field. Despite Verstappen’s continued podium finishes, the team’s inability to secure a victory in the last five races is telling. With McLaren and Lando Norris now posing a serious threat, Red Bull’s once-comfortable lead in the Constructors’ Championship is under siege.
Herbert speculates that Verstappen could be in a Mercedes as early as 2026, should Red Bull’s decline continue. The uncertainty surrounding Red Bull’s future, coupled with Verstappen’s frustration, could be the catalyst for a move to Mercedes—a team that, according to Herbert, may be better positioned to capitalize on the 2026 regulation changes.
Verstappen’s Future: A Crossroads
As Verstappen approaches the ten-year mark with Red Bull, the question looms: Will he seek new challenges elsewhere? Herbert suggests that Verstappen, like many great drivers before him, may feel the need for a change if Red Bull can no longer offer him a championship-winning car. The potential for a move to Mercedes, or even a sabbatical from F1, could reignite his passion for racing.
Herbert draws parallels to Lewis Hamilton’s career, noting how Hamilton’s switch from McLaren to Mercedes reinvigorated his career. Could a similar move be in Verstappen’s future? With Verstappen potentially at the peak of his powers, it would be a significant loss to the sport if he walked away, especially given that Herbert believes we haven’t seen the best of the Dutchman yet.
The Red Bull-Mercedes Battle: Far From Over
While the 2024 season has seen Red Bull’s dominance wane, the battle for supremacy is far from over. Herbert’s insights suggest that Mercedes is not just planning for the immediate future but is also laying the groundwork for long-term success, potentially with Verstappen at the helm.
As the season unfolds and Red Bull faces increasing pressure, the dynamics within the team could change dramatically. Whether Verstappen stays with Red Bull or makes a bold move to Mercedes, one thing is clear: The next few years in Formula 1 could see a major shake-up in the driver line-up, with Verstappen’s future at the center of it all.
