Jos Verstappen fires back at Schumacher over 'wrong Information' on Max Mercedes talks

The former Formula 1 driver took to social media to challenge Schumacher's comments regarding the Mercedes team principal's reported attempts to lure the four-time world champion away from Red Bull.

Speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher discussed Verstappen's future and suggested that Ferrari was not currently a realistic destination for the Dutchman. He then revealed what he had heard regarding Mercedes' interest.

"There's currently no room at Ferrari. At Mercedes, we hear that Toto Wolff made him an offer – behind the scenes. But the offer was apparently so bad, financially speaking, that it's completely out of the question," Schumacher explained.

"It doesn't matter. But I think that's intentional because, again, I've said it before: why would Toto Wolff, if everything goes as planned, bring in an expensive Max Verstappen alongside Kimi Antonelli, the future superstar?" he added.

While Schumacher's remarks quickly gained traction across the Formula 1 paddock, Verstappen Sr wasted little time in disputing the credibility of the claims. Responding to an Instagram post that quoted Schumacher's comments, the 54-year-old wrote: "Ralf, again you bring wrong information."

Although Verstappen Sr has attempted to dismiss the speculation surrounding a potential move to Mercedes, uncertainty over his son's long-term future remains.

Earlier, GPblog reported that Verstappen had moved closer to being able to activate a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave Red Bull after the 2026 season.

According to the report, Verstappen's current deal, which runs until the end of 2028, contains a performance-related exit clause. The provision would reportedly allow him to terminate the agreement if he is not among the top two drivers in the championship standings at the start of the summer break. At present, it appears increasingly unlikely that Verstappen will meet that requirement.

The Dutchman currently trails championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 101 points. With four Grands Prix and one Sprint remaining before the summer break, a maximum of 108 points are still available. Despite Antonelli's retirement at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the Mercedes driver remains within touching distance of securing his position at the top of the standings.

Verstappen is also 60 points behind second-placed Lewis Hamilton, while George Russell sits third, 51 points ahead of the four-time world champion. Mathematically, Verstappen could still climb into the top two before the summer break. Realistically, however, doing so would require a near-perfect run of results, combined with significant setbacks for Hamilton, Russell, Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

As a result, it could become clear well before the Hungarian Grand Prix, the final race before the summer shutdown, that Verstappen will fall short of the top-two requirement. Should that happen, the clause that Red Bull fears could become active. Whether Verstappen would choose to exercise it remains another matter entirely.

The Dutchman has repeatedly stated that his preference is to honour his contract with Red Bull. However, he also expects clear sporting progress from the Milton Keynes-based outfit. A season in which Red Bull consistently trails Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren on outright pace is not a situation Verstappen is keen to endure again.