[GUEST ACCESS MODE: Data is scrambled or limited to provide examples. Make requests using your API key to unlock full data. Check https://lunarcrush.ai/auth for authentication information.]  This is Formula X [@ThisIsFormu1a1](/creator/twitter/ThisIsFormu1a1) on x 6028 followers Created: 2025-07-16 19:53:44 UTC Max Verstappen to Mercedes gets 'green light' as new 'biggest obstacle' emerges – report: — Ola Kallenius, Mercedes chief executive, has reportedly approved the team's move for Max Verstappen for the F1 2026 season. Despite being under contract with Red Bull until 2028, Verstappen has been linked with Mercedes recently. Speaking to media, Christian Horner confirmed: “Verstappen's deal contains a 'performance element' that could allow him to leave the team before 2028.” — Verstappen could trigger an exit clause if he is lower than fourth in the Drivers' standings after the Hungarian Grand Prix. Currently, he holds third place, XX points ahead of George Russell. A report by Sky Italy claimed: “Verstappen is closing in on a deal to join Mercedes for F1 2026, with the move awaiting approval by the Mercedes board.” — La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Kallenius has given 'the green light' to sign Verstappen. The biggest obstacle remains finding a way out of his Red Bull contract. The report suggests: “Verstappen could 'seek other legal avenues' to escape his Red Bull contract for F1 2026.” — Another scenario could see Verstappen 'signing on the quiet' for Mercedes, with the deal effective in 2027. The financial commitment for Mercedes would be significant, given Verstappen's status as the highest-paid driver. Kallenius, who succeeded Dieter Zetsche as Mercedes chairman, has been central to the team's attempts to sign Verstappen. He quipped to Sky Germany: “The best driver wants to have the best car. And that's our job, to bring the best package together.” “The cards will be reshuffled in 2026. New order with new rules. That's also an opportunity. Who knows?” “But I think Max would look good in silver, wouldn't he?” — Mercedes has struggled since the 2022 regulations, winning just six races. However, their preparations for the F1 2026 rules are believed to be advanced. #maxverstappen 🇳🇱 #redbullracing 🇦🇹 #mercedesamgf1 🇩🇪 #formula1 #f12025 #f12026 VIA: [PLANET F1]  XXX engagements  **Related Topics** [red bull](/topic/red-bull) [f1](/topic/f1) [approved](/topic/approved) [green light](/topic/green-light) [mercedes](/topic/mercedes) [verstappen](/topic/verstappen) [max verstappen](/topic/max-verstappen) [formula 1](/topic/formula-1) [Post Link](https://x.com/ThisIsFormu1a1/status/1945572578938294703)
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This is Formula X @ThisIsFormu1a1 on x 6028 followers
Created: 2025-07-16 19:53:44 UTC
Max Verstappen to Mercedes gets 'green light' as new 'biggest obstacle' emerges – report:
— Ola Kallenius, Mercedes chief executive, has reportedly approved the team's move for Max Verstappen for the F1 2026 season. Despite being under contract with Red Bull until 2028, Verstappen has been linked with Mercedes recently. Speaking to media, Christian Horner confirmed:
“Verstappen's deal contains a 'performance element' that could allow him to leave the team before 2028.”
— Verstappen could trigger an exit clause if he is lower than fourth in the Drivers' standings after the Hungarian Grand Prix. Currently, he holds third place, XX points ahead of George Russell. A report by Sky Italy claimed:
“Verstappen is closing in on a deal to join Mercedes for F1 2026, with the move awaiting approval by the Mercedes board.”
— La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Kallenius has given 'the green light' to sign Verstappen. The biggest obstacle remains finding a way out of his Red Bull contract. The report suggests:
“Verstappen could 'seek other legal avenues' to escape his Red Bull contract for F1 2026.”
— Another scenario could see Verstappen 'signing on the quiet' for Mercedes, with the deal effective in 2027. The financial commitment for Mercedes would be significant, given Verstappen's status as the highest-paid driver. Kallenius, who succeeded Dieter Zetsche as Mercedes chairman, has been central to the team's attempts to sign Verstappen. He quipped to Sky Germany:
“The best driver wants to have the best car. And that's our job, to bring the best package together.”
“The cards will be reshuffled in 2026. New order with new rules. That's also an opportunity. Who knows?”
“But I think Max would look good in silver, wouldn't he?”
— Mercedes has struggled since the 2022 regulations, winning just six races. However, their preparations for the F1 2026 rules are believed to be advanced.
#maxverstappen 🇳🇱 #redbullracing 🇦🇹 #mercedesamgf1 🇩🇪 #formula1 #f12025 #f12026
VIA: [PLANET F1]
XXX engagements
Related Topics red bull f1 approved green light mercedes verstappen max verstappen formula 1