Jos Verstappen’s Handshake with Mercedes: A Potential Game-Changer for Max’s F1 Future Amid Red Bull Crisis

A "gentleman's agreement" involving Jos Verstappen is believed to be key in determining Max Verstappen's career path for 2026

It's said that Max Verstappen's dad is playing a pivotal role in the negotiations concerning his son's professional future

According to reports from German media, Max Verstappen might be moving to Mercedes, with his father playing a key role in the negotiations.

The future team of Max Verstappen has been widely speculated for several months, following an internal conflict at Red Bull that implicated Christian Horner, Helmut Marko, and his father, Jos Verstappen.

Adding to the struggles of the F1 champion is the diminishing performance of his RB20.

According to F1-Insider, his father intends to bring him to Mercedes in 2026.

They claim that there exists a "gentleman's agreement between Jos Verstappen and Toto Wolff."

This implies that Verstappen's team is relying on Mercedes to come out on top with the superior engine in the era of new regulations.

Mercedes has announced Kimi Antonelli as the successor to Lewis Hamilton, who will be teaming up with George Russell starting in 2025.

Team leader Wolff has affirmed that Russell and Antonelli are his top picks for the future.

Yet, it's uncertain if Verstappen, now available, will reconsider his decision.

Aston Martin possibility?

“Adrian Newey is actively pursuing Verstappen,” according to F1-Insider.

In the initial months of next year, Aston Martin will gain the mastermind behind Red Bull's car designs.

Newey will subsequently have the opportunity to shape the development of Aston Martin's 2026 vehicle, which will be the inaugural model under the new regulations.

Nonetheless, according to the report, Verstappen remains unconvinced about the potential of Aston Martin.

According to F1-Insider, his once ideal marriage with Red Bull is now facing a severe crisis.

"It's difficult to ignore the declining performance at Red Bull," they comment.

Verstappen's agreement with Red Bull extends through 2028, yet an upgraded vehicle will be crucial to persuade him to remain.

Heading into this weekend's F1 Singapore Grand Prix, he is facing a streak of seven races without a victory, with Lando Norris posing a significant challenge to his top position in the drivers' championship.

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