REPORT: Verstappen set to join Mercedes according to Sky Sport Italia

According to Sky Sport Italia, four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen has reportedly agreed to join Mercedes following an offer from team principal Toto Wolff.

However, part of the Mercedes board has not yet approved the move, as they believe their 2026 package could be competitive regardless of driver pairing.

The possible deal would revive interest first shown in 2014, when Wolff tried to sign Verstappen into the Mercedes junior program. That attempt was blocked by Helmut Marko and Red Bull, who secured Verstappen’s F1 debut with Toro Rosso in 2015 and fast-tracked him to the top team.

Verstappen has since won four World Championships with Red Bull, including his latest title in 2024. Now, a new chapter with Mercedes — his historical rivals — could await him in 2026.

According to Sky Sport Italia's reports, Verstappen would replace George Russell while Andrea Kimi Antonelli would stay with the Brackley-based team for a second season.

While Russell is currently negotiating a new deal with Mercedes, the decision would force the Briton, who has had a stellar season so far in 2025, to move on to another team.

The four-time grand prix winner could join Red Bull which would effectively mean that he swaps seat with Verstappen. According to the report, Aston Martin is also interested in securing Russell's services if Mercedes signs Verstappen.