Verstappen currently holds third in the standings with an 18-point advantage over Russell. A recent report claimed that Verstappen is close to reaching an agreement to join Mercedes for the F1 2026 season with the deal gaining the approval of Mercedes chief executive Ola Kallenius.

That said, there is no guarantee that Verstappen will stay, even after Horner, who was a thorn in the side of his entourage, was dismissed. According to De Telegraaf, the 51-year-old’s exit has not boosted Red Bull ’s chances of retaining their star driver.

Mercedes chairman and CEO Ola Kallenius has reportedly approved the signing of Max Verstappen. Kallenius has given “the green light” for Mercedes to complete a blockbuster transfer for Red Bull’s four-time world champion, according to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.