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Max Verstappen Reflects on Missed Mercedes Switch
The Dutch world champion is reportedly still harboring a degree of regret over a past move to Mercedes that ultimately fell through.
By Lesley Bakker - 2026-07-12T06:59:00.000Z - 1 min read
Reports have emerged suggesting that Max Verstappen still looks back with some regret on a previously failed move to Mercedes. According to recent reports, the Dutch driver has been reflecting on a potential partnership that ultimately never materialized.
The intensity of this regret is described as 'absolute'. This points to a deeper feeling of what might have been, rather than merely a fleeting consideration of a missed opportunity early in his career.
In this context, the statement 'Friend, that's how it works here' was reportedly made. These words appear to emphasize the reality of negotiations and the unpredictability of career choices in Formula 1, although the precise setting or cause is not clear from the source material.
While details regarding the exact timing and reasons for the deal falling through remain unmentioned, this look back sheds light on the complexity of driver decisions behind the scenes of the sport. It shows that even the most successful careers are built on a series of choices made at crucial moments.