Sky Sport Italy: Verstappen accepted the offer from Mercedes

      Sky Sport Italia reports a high-profile driver market move. According to the official Formula 1 broadcaster in Italy, Max Verstappen has accepted the offer from Mercedes after extensive and substantive contract negotiations. The deal for Verstappen's transfer to the Brackley team still requires approval from Mercedes' board of directors, and if approved, Max will wear a silver racing suit with a three-pointed star in 2026. Verstappen's move will trigger a chain reaction in the driver market. George Russell and Kimi Antunelli have contracts until the end of the season, and it remains unclear who will replace them with the four-time world champion. Earlier reports suggested a driver swap between Mercedes and Red Bull Racing may occur, with George Russell moving to the Milton Keynes team in place of Verstappen. Additionally, Aston Martin has shown interest in George Russell.