Ex-Ferrari Man Gives ‘100%’ Verdict on Max Verstappen’s Rumored Mercedes Switch

Former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley asserted that Mercedes should not lose the chance to sign Max Verstappen for 2026.

Ex-Ferrari Man Gives ‘100%’ Verdict on Max Verstappen’s Rumored Mercedes Switch

Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen (images via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen‘s future remains one of the biggest talking points in the Formula 1 paddock this year. Despite repeated reassurances from the Dutchman that he would continue racing for Milton Keynes, rumors have continued to surface over the 27-year-old potentially joining a rival squad. Now, former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley has insisted that a team like Mercedes should not give up the chance to poach the Red Bull star.

Mercedes has always been interested in Max Verstappen. Team boss Toto Wolff still laments losing the Dutch driver to Red Bull almost a decade ago. Since then, the Austrian billionaire has tried to keep the door open in case an opportunity arose. 2026 might be the right time for the Silver Arrows to sign Verstappen. The four-time world champion is reportedly not confident with Red Bull over the upcoming rule change with Mercedes seeming to be a safer bet.

Rob Smedley tried to put himself in the shoes of Toto Wolff. The former engineer made it clear that if he was the one deciding the driver line-up at Mercedes, he would not think twice before signing Max Verstappen for next season, with a ‘100%’ assurance.

If I were in a position to make this decision, would I want Max Verstappen in my car over anybody else on the grid right now? Yeah, 100% I would. No doubt.

Rob Smedley said on the F1 Nation podcast

Mercedes is yet to renew the contracts of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for next season. Rumors have surfaced that the Silver Arrows could ditch the former if Verstappen was interested in joining the Brackley-based team. So much so, that even Russell is reportedly in talks with Red Bull for a driver swap in such a scenario.

Mercedes needs Max Verstappen’s motivation and talent

Since the start of the ground-effect era, Mercedes has struggled to get back to the front of the grid. The Silver Arrows went through a couple of disappointing campaigns with Lewis Hamilton even deciding to leave the team for Ferrari this year. Wolff’s team has made steady progress this year, yet it is nowhere close to its former glory during the turbo hybrid era.

George Russell and Max Verstappen
George Russell and Max Verstappen (image via Red Bull)

Smedley pointed out that someone like Max Verstappen could be crucial in such a situation. The 51-year-old asserted that the Red Bull star did not care about anything other than racing. The reigning world champion brings immense focus and motivation to his team. For a squad like Mercedes that has struggled recently, Verstappen’s arrival could provide them with a much-needed boost as well as direction. This would allow engineers back at Brackley to give their best everyday.

He cares about one thing, and that’s racing. If you can get someone with that motivation, with that focus, and with that talent on your team, you would want that person 100%. Having talent like Max Verstappen ensures that a team gives its all 101% every day.

Rob Smedley added

Certainly, Max Verstappen is a driver who every team would want to have. The four-time world champion is not only beneficial on-track but even in the garage. Though, Verstappen has so far not shown any direct interest in joining Mercedes as early as next year, fans will need to wait till the summer break when the rumored exit clause might become available for the 27-year-old. It remains to be seen if the Red Bull star decides to send shockwaves across the paddock in the coming weeks.

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