Sensational U-turn from the same network that broke the news: Verstappen-to-Mercedes is not a done deal
There’s media chaos surrounding the potential sensational move of Max Verstappen to Mercedes for 2026. After Sky Sport F1 Italia broke the news overnight, claiming that negotiations between the four-time World Champion and the Brackley-based team were well underway, a strong denial has now arrived… from within the same media group.
Just minutes ago, Sky Sports News — the UK branch of the network — published an article stating that they have learned “Verstappen has not indicated any intention to leave Red Bull prematurely, nor has there been any official contact from Mercedes to sign him.”
These are firm words that completely contradict what the Italian colleagues reported — namely, that the deal was in its final stages, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli expected to partner the Dutch superstar, while George Russell would make way.
A shocking contradiction within the same group
This is an unprecedented media contradiction: two editorial teams from the same company, Sky, outright contradicting each other on one of the hottest rumors in the paddock. It only fuels further speculation about Verstappen’s future, which has been surrounded by whispers of internal tensions at Red Bull for months.
At present, no official statements have been issued by the driver or the teams involved. However, the fact that Sky Sports UK — usually very cautious when it comes to market rumors — has chosen to publish such a clear denial, speaks volumes.
