Yacht and jet trackers suggest Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff are meeting in Sardinia, fuelling F1 2026 driver swap rumours.

"It’s no coincidence either that this week, two yachts are cruising off Sardinia – one belongs to Toto Wolff, the other to Max Verstappen. And from what I hear, there’s a good chance they might have had a coffee together.

The Formula 1 paddock was rocked Wednesday by the news that Christian Horner, the longtime CEO and team principal of Red Bull Racing, has been fired after a 20-year run that featured many race wins and championships with drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.

Rumors of a shocking move to Mercedes have followed Verstappen, and the entire F1 grid, from paddock to paddock in recent weeks. Those rumors picked up steam in the past 48 hours when a report from Sky Sports Italy indicated that Verstappen had agreed to move to Mercedes.

Amid growing buzz of the four-time champion’s connection to Mercedes, an unlucky crash at the Red Bull Ring crushed his already dwindling championship hopes.

After initial informal talks in 2024, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is again courting Max Verstappen's services. This could impact F1 2026