Mercedes passes on Verstappen despite salary offer

Mercedes has reportedly decided against signing Max Verstappen for the 2027 season, despite the driver indicating a willingness to take a pay cut. Sources suggest that disagreements over contract length were the main obstacle, with Verstappen reportedly demanding a three-year agreement while Mercedes typically favors shorter deals. This situation arises as Verstappen's future beyond 2026 remains uncertain, with his Red Bull contract containing a release clause.

Verstappen has publicly expressed growing frustration with Red Bull, particularly after a recent race where a rear-wing failure led to a crash. He described the incident as "super dangerous" and stated he was "fed up" with recurring issues, raising concerns about his safety and the team's responsiveness to his feedback on car setup. The recent events at Silverstone, including another rear-wing failure, have amplified these tensions.

With potential doors at McLaren and Ferrari also appearing closed, Verstappen might be compelled to remain with Red Bull for at least another year. However, his recent critical comments and the persistent technical problems suggest a strained relationship that could influence future decisions.