Max Verstappen has been brought up multiple times to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton. The Dutchman has been performing at the pinnacle of his career. Hence, it is no surprise that any team would provide him with great prospects just to acquire him. Additionally, the 26-year-old might consider other options if the tensions at Red Bull persist even after the 2024 season.

Toto Wolff had previously proclaimed that Max Verstappen‘s Mercedes move ‘needed to happen’. Verstappen didn’t deny potentially joining the Silver Arrows when he was questioned by the media. The Dutchman had also made it clear that he would continue at Red Bull only if the top spots like Helmut Marko and Adrian Newey stayed. Hence, if issues like Christian Horner‘s investigation saga happened again, Verstappen would consider joining another constructor.

Notably, according to reports, Mercedes is allegedly ready to provide Max Verstappen with a higher salary than Lewis Hamilton. The Briton had won six championship titles alongside seven team’s titles during his time at Brackley. However, Verstappen could be lured to the Silver Arrows with such a move. Regardless, Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season.

Max Verstappen won the 2023 world championship which enabled him to earn $55 Million excluding the bonuses. On the contrary, Hamilton finished in P3 in the 2023 season. The 39-year-old earned $35 Million excluding the bonuses. Hence, if the rumors are true, the Dutchman is looking at a much higher income than his already large sum from Mercedes.

Max Verstappen wants F1 to reduce weight of 2026 cars instead of active aero ‘tools and tricks’

Max Verstappen doesn’t hesitate to call out Formula 1 whenever the sport implements controversial rules and regulations. Hence, once again Verstappen raised questions over the direction that the sport was heading. The Dutchman called out the sport to bring about major changes to the challengers by the 2026 season. Subsequently, the 26-year-old hoped to optimize this kind of thing for the future of Formula 1.

With the potential like active aero and stuff, I'm not sure if we should head into that direction, but that's what it's looking like at the moment. Hopefully, we can optimise all these kinds of things.

Max Verstappen said, as reported by motorsport.com.

Additionally, Verstappen’s main concern was to reduce the weight of the cars with regulation changes. According to the reigning world champion, F1 should optimize the ever-increasing weight of the machinery instead of such ‘tools and tricks’ The Dutchman pointed out that there were multiple ways to solve these issues and make the cars faster in Formula 1.

For me, it's more important to just try and fight the weight of the cars, try and optimise that instead of all these tools and tricks to try and help the overtaking or following. There must be different ways to be able to do it.

Max Verstappen noted.

Formula 1 is yet to officially confirm the chassis rules for 2026. Hence, if the Dutchman continues his battle to tackle the weight issues, the sport could incorporate some tweaks. Although, the sport is running out of time to declare the new regulations to allow teams to develop their cars for F1’s new era.