Formula 1: Max Verstappen Discusses Joining Mercedes Amid Ongoing Red Bull Rift

• Max Verstappen has been linked with a potential transfer to Mercedes AMG
• The three-time world champion is currently on a multi-year contract with Red Bull
• The Dutch driver has spoken on the potential of replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

The Formula 1 world has been rocked by a whirlwind of upheaval and unexpected revelations since the conclusion of the first race of the 2024 season at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Red Bull Racing’s Team Principal, Christian Horner, has been charged with inappropriate and controlling behaviour by a female colleague.

Meanwhile, Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, faces accusations of alleged interference in the outcome of the 2023 Saudi Grand Prix.

Amidst the turmoil at Red Bull, Jos Verstappen, father of three-time drivers’ champion, Max Verstappen, has hinted at the possibility of his son leaving the team if Horner refuses to resign from his role as team principal.

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Further reports as relayed by Sports Illustrated, have surfaced suggesting that Verstappen could replace the departing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. These rumours were fuelled by Mercedes CEO, Toto Wolff, who hinted that a move for the 26-year-old could be an option.

However, amid the swirling rumours, Verstappen has opened up about the possibility of joining the German constructor as a replacement for Hamilton.

Verstappen speaks on joining Mercedes

As reported by Red Bulletin, the current leader in the 2024 drivers’ standings, when asked about a possible move to Mercedes, stated:

“From my side, I'm just focusing on the driving, and I think that is also the most important for the team right now and that's why we came here [Saudi].

That's our main target, and what we want to focus on is not to have this stuff going on race after race because that is not good for the team.”

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“Things must go really crazy[for not driving for Red Bull in 2025], I guess that's not that's not the target for everyone.”

The 26-year-old's remarks seem to be a subtle attempt to quell the swirling rumours that threaten to overshadow the upcoming race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

Saudi Arabia Grand Prix race preview

In a different report, Sports Brief offered a detailed preview and prediction for the second race of the 2024 season.

The Saudi race is expected to feature Red Bull asserting their dominance in a season that already appears to echo the events of 2023.

Verstappen is anticipated to clinch his 56th career victory at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.