Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner believes Max Verstappen regrets not having transferred to Mercedes. Steiner stated the four-time F1 champion is currently in a difficult position at Red Bull. He suggested Verstappen undoubtedly regrets not making the move when the opportunity arose.
Steiner’s comments were made recently on ‘The Red Flags Podcast’. He indicated that intense rumours linked Verstappen to the Mercedes F1 team last year. Speculation was rife that Toto Wolff attempted to entice Verstappen to make the switch.
Mercedes, however, confirmed George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli as their driver lineup for the 2026 season in October and November 2025. Russell’s contract is a multi-year agreement, extending beyond 2026, with potential exit clauses for the 2027 season. Antonelli is currently in his second year with the team.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal, has publicly stated his satisfaction with the current driver pairing. Wolff affirmed that Mercedes is ‘very happy’ with Russell and Antonelli. He has dismissed further links to Verstappen, stating the team ‘don’t want to change things’.
Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season. However, his contract is widely understood to contain performance-based exit clauses. These clauses could allow him to leave before the contract’s conclusion.
It is now mathematically certain that Verstappen cannot finish within the top two of the drivers’ championship by the summer break. This threshold, which follows the Hungarian Grand Prix, is a key trigger for his exit clause. Verstappen is currently seventh in the standings with 76 points.
George Russell holds second place in the championship with 154 points, while Lewis Hamilton is third with 147 points. This performance disparity means Verstappen can formally activate his exit clause for the 2027 season.
Steiner believes a move to Mercedes is now difficult to execute. He argued that Wolff is ‘too smart’ to disrupt the established lineup of Russell and Antonelli. Steiner also cited Verstappen’s high salary demands and the potential impact on Antonelli’s development as deterrents.
Red Bull’s current performance in the 2026 season has fueled speculation regarding Verstappen’s future. The team’s car has been described as a ‘horror show’ by Toto Wolff. Verstappen has recorded three DNFs this season, including a rear wing failure at the British Grand Prix.
His winless streak has extended to nine races. This has intensified discussions about his potential departure from Red Bull. Verstappen’s management reportedly held discussions with McLaren regarding a possible transfer.
McLaren’s 2026 driver lineup consists of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Reports suggest a potential swap deal involving Piastri. Red Bull reportedly offered €8 million to buy out Verstappen’s exit clause, an offer he declined.
Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, confirmed the existence of exit clauses. Vermeulen also reiterated a commitment to Red Bull, with the condition of having a car capable of winning races.
The 2026 season introduced significant technical regulations. These include lighter cars, active aerodynamics, and a revised power unit with a ‘Boost Button’ and ‘Overtake Mode’. Verstappen has been critical of these new rules, describing them as ‘not racing’.
