Guenther Steiner suggests Max Verstappen now regrets declining a Mercedes drive offer made last year. Steiner’s comments come as Verstappen faces ongoing unrest at Red Bull during the current 2026 Formula 1 season. The Dutchman’s relationship with his current team is reportedly at a critical juncture.
Verstappen holds a contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season. However, his deal includes performance-based exit clauses. These clauses allow him to depart early if specific conditions are met.
Reports indicate Verstappen can activate an exit clause for the 2027 season. This is possible if he is not within the top two positions in the drivers’ standings by the summer break. The Hungarian Grand Prix marks this mid-season deadline.
As of July 7, 2026, Verstappen sits seventh in the championship standings. He cannot mathematically reach the top two before the summer break. This development means his exit clause is now formally active.
Verstappen has expressed significant dissatisfaction with the 2026 regulations. He has also voiced frustrations with the performance of the RB22 car. His recent DNF at the British Grand Prix further intensified these concerns.
The four-time world champion has declined to guarantee his long-term commitment to Red Bull. He reportedly rebuffed offers to buy out his contract’s exit clause. This indicates a potential desire for a change of environment.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff had actively pursued Verstappen in 2025. Wolff publicly courted the driver amidst Red Bull’s internal divisions. These discussions were part of Mercedes’ efforts to secure a strong lineup.
However, Mercedes has since confirmed its driver lineup for the 2026 season. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are contracted to remain with the team. Russell’s deal extends through at least 2026, with Antonelli also secured.
Wolff has recently downplayed any immediate prospect of Verstappen joining Mercedes for 2027. He stated his satisfaction with the current pairing. Wolff affirmed, ‘We’re very happy with the two of them.’
Other potential destinations for Verstappen appear limited. McLaren has been linked, with reports of talks between Verstappen’s manager and CEO Zak Brown. However, Brown has maintained his commitment to Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Norris and Piastri are under contract until at least 2027 and 2028, respectively. Ferrari is also not a viable option, as Charles Leclerc recently signed a new multi-year agreement. This leaves few top-tier seats available.
Guenther Steiner, former team principal, has been critical of Verstappen’s complaints regarding the 2026 regulations, suggesting his mood is linked to Red Bull’s current performance.
Steiner previously stated in April 2026 that he did not anticipate Verstappen moving to Mercedes for the upcoming 2027 season. This perspective aligns with Mercedes’ current settled driver situation.
Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, responded sharply to Steiner’s earlier remarks. He questioned Steiner’s suitability as an F1 team boss. This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Verstappen’s future.
