Max Verstappen is reportedly in ‘concrete’ talks to join Mercedes.

The Dutchman has been heavily linked with a move away from Red Bull over the past couple of seasons, and an exit in 2026 now appears to be firmly on the cards.

Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, but he is said to have a number of clauses in the deal which would allow the four-time world champion to make an early exit – and a move now looks set to be firmly in the pipeline.

According to Sky Sports Italy, Verstappen is ‘close’ to joining Mercedes and negotiations are ongoing over a potential move. The 27-year-old is said to have ‘said yes’ to the Silver Arrows’ proposal and indicated that he is ready to leave Red Bull.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has made it no secret that he is a long-term admirer of Versatppen and has spoken publicly about his desire to lure him to his team, and his extended pursuit now appears set to draw to a close.

However, as it stands, there is one major obstacle preventing an agreement from being reached in its entirety.

Some members of the Mercedes board have not approved of the acquisition of Verstappen yet and some doubts about the move have been raised due to the regulations set to be in place from 2026.

Verstappen has made no secret of his frustration driving the RB21 this season, which has sparked speculation surrounding a possible exit.

Rumours of Mercedes’ interest is long-standing and it was said that the Dutchman could see himself at Mercedes rather than Aston Martin, who he had previously been linked with.

If Verstappen does join Mercedes, he is expected to take George Russell’s seat. The Brit is out of contract at the end of the year and Verstappen would then partner teenager Kimi Antonelli from 2026 and beyond.

Toto Wolff has previously insisted he is happy with Russell’s performance, with the 27-year-old securing the team’s only win so far this season, but the opportunity to sign the four-time world champion would be too good to turn down.