No sooner had the rumors sending Max Verstappen to McLaren set the paddock ablaze than a new, potentially even more credible scenario gained momentum.
Verstappen – Antonelli: a formidable duo for Mercedes?
According to several observers, Mercedes Benz would now be determined to recruit the four-time world champion, even if it means negotiating the departure of George Russell. This hypothesis could completely reshuffle the cards in the driver market. This news comes at a time when speculation surrounding the Dutchman's future has never been greater.
McLaren… or directly Mercedes?
In recent days, several media outlets, including DAZN Spain, mentioned discussions between Verstappen et McLarenThe idea was appealing on paper: to join the world champion team and rediscover the engine. Mercedes. But now a question arises.
Why would Mercedes let its best potential asset strengthen its customer team when it could attract him to its own garage?
McLaren certainly benefits from the propulsion systems Mercedess, but it remains a client team. For Stuttgart, recruiting Verstappen within his official team would represent a sporting, marketing and industrial coup of a completely different dimension.
Peter Windsor imagines a radical scenario
The former team manager and analyst Peter Windsor estimate that Toto Wolff nHe should only have one priority.
"If Max wants to race for Mercedes, I'll immediately buy out George Russell's contract. We need Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli to build for the next five years." Peter windsor
According to him, the cost of such an operation would certainly be colossal, but perfectly justified.
Russell sacrificed?
George Russell always maintains that he will drive for Mercedes Benz in 2027. But Windsor recalls that in Formula 1A contract is never completely set in stone.
"Contracts are not meant to be broken, but they can always be renegotiated."
To convince Russell to leave, Mercedes Benz could pay him an exceptional allowance and facilitate his arrival at Red Bull. Windsor He even goes so far as to suggest compensation of several hundred million, a spectacular hypothesis which, however, is based on his personal opinion and not on confirmed information.
The Verstappen-Antonelli duo is a dream for Mercedes.
For several years, Toto wolff does not hide his admiration for Verstappen. Partnered with the young Italian prodigy Kimi AntonelliThe Dutchman would probably form the most feared duo on the grid. Mercedes BenzThe operation would go far beyond the simple sporting context.
"This would be a colossal investment for Mercedes' image. I am convinced that the board of directors would give it the green light." Peter windsor
Windsor even compares a possible transfer of Verstappen to the effect produced by the arrival of Lewis Hamilton in Classic Ferrari for sale on the financial markets.
Red Bull under pressure
Meanwhile, the situation continues to deteriorate at RedBull. After a very difficult weekend at Silverstone, questions remain about the future of Verstappen are multiplying. Several media outlets are reporting the imminent activation of exit clauses in his contract, while discussions with McLaren and now Mercedes Benz fuel the rumors daily.
Is Mercedes regaining the advantage?
Si Verstappen decides to leave Red Bull, Sporting logic could ultimately lead to Brackley. McLaren today possesses a single-seater capable of winning, but Mercedes Benz The factory team of the German manufacturer remains.
And when a pilot of the caliber of Max Verstappen Once it becomes available, few manufacturers are willing to watch a customer team take advantage of such an opportunity. The saga is far from over, but one thing now seems certain. the battle between McLaren et Mercedes Benz to convince Verstappen could become the biggest transfer market story in Formula 1.
