Jos Verstappen slams Schumacher over fresh Max-to-Mercedes rumours

Max Verstappen's future continues to dominate the Formula 1 narrative as his father, Jos Verstappen, publicly dismissed fresh speculation linking the four-time world champion with a switch to Mercedes. The denial follows claims by former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher that Mercedes tabled a lowball financial offer and that Max had rejected a desperate contract extension from Red Bull running through 2032.

Why it matters:

With Red Bull struggling through a disappointing 2026 campaign, Verstappen sits seventh in the drivers' championship and faces mounting pressure to salvage results from a difficult package. Persistent rumours about potential exit clauses and rival interest threaten to destabilise the team further while casting doubt on whether the Dutchman will see out his contract until 2028.

The details:

• Ralf Schumacher alleged on Sky Germany's podcast that Toto Wolff presented an underwhelming financial offer for Verstappen, which was rejected, and that Red Bull's attempt to extend his deal to 2032 was similarly refused.
• Jos Verstappen directly refuted the claims on social media, accusing Schumacher of spreading "wrong information" for the second time this year following a similar dispute in April regarding Helmut Marko's absence.
• PlanetF1.com understands that no recent negotiations have taken place between Verstappen and Mercedes, nor any other team, regarding a move away from his current deal.
• Despite Red Bull's competitive slump, Verstappen remains tied to the team until 2028, though his agreement reportedly carries a performance-related exit clause tied to his championship position at the summer break.
• Verstappen currently trails second-placed Lewis Hamilton by 60 points with just four races remaining before the August shutdown, putting any potential exit clause firmly in play.

What's next:

The speculation will persist while Red Bull remains off the pace, yet Wolff has publicly insisted Mercedes is satisfied with Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. For now, Verstappen's priority must be closing the gap to the front before the summer break rather than negotiating an early departure from Milton Keynes.