Max Verstappen's future takes twist as BBC reporter reveals new 'information' he's heard about Red Bull exit

A respected BBC journalist has delivered a significant update on Max Verstappen amid growing speculation linking him to Mercedes.

Verstappen, 27, who has won the last four world championships has cut a frustrated figure this year at Red Bull.

He currently sits third in the driver's standings and has struggled to match the McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

It has been reported that there is a clause in Verstappen's contract allowing him to leave Red Bull if he is not in the top three at the summer break, which begins after this weekend's Grand Prix in Belgium.

Given George Russell is just 18 points behind the Dutchman, this remains a possibility, fuelling rumours of a potential move to Mercedes.

In a question and answer session on BBC Sport, F1 journalist Andrew Benson gave his thoughts.

He said: "If Verstappen is to leave Red Bull, it is most likely to be to Mercedes.

"Whether he will remains an open question for now.

Max Verstappen with Toto Wolff. Image: Mark Thompson / Staff via Getty

"My sense from little bits of information from here and there is that at this stage Verstappen is more likely to stay at Red Bull than not. But of course that could change."

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff publicly pursued Verstappen until halfway through last season, when the Dutchman decided to recommit to Red Bull.

It meant Kimi Antonelli, 18, joined Mercedes and he has impressed during his rookie season.

But Russell is yet to sign a contract for 2026, which has fuelled rumours that Wolff will again try for Verstappen.

And the reports have not been dismissed by Russell or Wolff, who both acknowledged that the team would have to consider a driver of Verstappen's stature.

There is also talk that other teams may make a move for the reigning world champion.

Max Verstappen with Adrian Newey. Image: NurPhoto / Contributor via Getty

In the same BBC Q&A, one reader suggested a surprise swich to Aston Martin.

Any speculation of such a move is likely fuelled by the presence of Adrian Newey.

Newey is regarded as one of the greatest F1 engineers ever, working at Red Bull from 2006 until 2024, when he left to join Aston Martin.

Given their past success, a reunion can not be totally dismissed.

But Fernando Alonso's contract runs until the end of 2026, meaning an expensive pay packet would need to be agreed to release the Spaniard.

Aston Martin's other driver is Lance Stroll, who as the son of the owner Lawrence Stroll is unlikely to be moved on.

Benson said: "There does not seem to be any movement in this direction at the moment."