While some drivers, like Lando Norris, were on board with the decision, not everyone shared the same sentiment. Max Verstappen, never one to hold back, had a fiery reaction that’s now turning heads across the paddock and sparking debate in the F1 world.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has named George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli as the team's priority for the 2026 Formula One season. The revelation comes after Max Verstappen was strongly linked to Mercedes.

Mercedes is yet to name its 2026 F1 drivers. With interest from Red Bull's Max Verstappen, Luke Smith argues he should join George Russell

SportsLine's model analyzes Red Bull's Max Verstappen, McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and the rest of the starting grid's chances at the 2025 F1 Belgian GP

Max Verstappen has fielded questions from the media for the first time since Christian Horner was removed as his Red Bull F1 team boss

F ormula 1 champion Max Verstappen has offered an update on his early retirement plans, suggesting he could well stick around in the sport for longer than he has previously suggested.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has played down rumours that he recently met Red Bull driver Max Verstappen in Sardinia to seal a deal for the F1 2026 season. Verstappen has been heavily linked with a move to Mercedes for next season over recent weeks despite being officially under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028.