Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has repeatedly hinted at a move for Verstappen, who is contracted to Red Bull until 2028 but has clauses allowing for the early termination of his deal

Toto Wolff has denied that his “teasing” of a move for Max Verstappen for the F1 2026 season contributed to Red Bull’s decision to sack Christian Horner. And he was quipped that he will be “really in the s**t” if Horner’s next move sees him join F1’s governing body, the FIA.