Max Verstappen's future in Formula 1 remains a topic of major speculation, with a potential move to Mercedes in 2027 being assessed by former driver Anthony Davidson. According to Davidson, a pairing of Verstappen alongside Andrea Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes could work.

What's behind the speculation?

Verstappen's future has been the subject of rampant speculation in recent weeks, amid a frustrating campaign for Red Bull and the revelation that a meeting between McLaren and the four-time world champion's representatives took place in June. Verstappen has been heavily linked with a switch to McLaren, while Mercedes previously publicly courted the Dutchman.

A potential partnership with Antonelli

Davidson believes that the good relationship Verstappen has with Antonelli and McLaren's reigning world champion Lando Norris could make a pairing viable at either team. "I think it could work, Kimi and Max, there's a respect there, there's a bit of a friendship there as well," Davidson said on The F1 Show.

Verstappen's relationship with Norris

Davidson also highlighted Verstappen's relationship with Norris, who has expressed his desire to have Verstappen as a teammate. "For these guys who feel like they're right at the top of their game - Lando Norris, world champion - 'yeah, bring it on! Let's see what the so-called best in the business is like alongside me!'"

Mercedes' current driver lineup

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has seemingly moved to end speculation that Verstappen could join the Silver Arrows in 2027 by reaffirming his desire to keep his current drivers Antonelli and George Russell. “We don’t want to change things,” Wolff told Sky Sports F1 at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Verstappen's frustration with Red Bull

A frustrating retirement caused by a Red Bull rear wing failure at the British Grand Prix has done little to quell speculation about Verstappen's future. Davidson added: “I’m fascinated to see what happens and I still wonder if Max is still niggled by the fact that Red Bull, as a collective, got rid of the person that gave Max his chance - Helmut Marko.