Follow usAccording to a report from Sky Sport Italia, reigning F1 World Champion Max Verstappen has agreed to a sensational switch from Red Bull Racing to Mercedes, shaking up the 2026 driver market and casting doubt over George Russell’s future with the German team.
While Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull through 2028, his deal reportedly includes performance and team stability clauses that could allow for an early exit — loopholes Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff appears poised to exploit to secure the best driver on the grid in the last four years.
Should the move materialize, Russell would be the odd man out, with the report suggesting he would be replaced to make room for Verstappen alongside rising star Kimi Antonelli.
Wolff has made no secret of his admiration for Verstappen, stating earlier this year that the team would pursue “the best drivers available.” However, the Mercedes boss also publicly backed Russell, praising his consistency and leadership as the team navigates a difficult transitional era.
“He’s always performed to expectations,” Wolff said. “We haven’t given him a car to win a championship in the last three years, so that’s on us.”
Russell, who recently claimed victory in Canada and sits fourth in the drivers’ championship — just nine points behind Verstappen — hinted that his own contract talks have been delayed by Mercedes’ interest in the Dutchman.
George Russell has suggested Mercedes’ continued pursuit of Max Verstappen is delaying an extension to his expiring contract 📑👀 pic.twitter.com/7cboiH4f2o
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) June 26, 2025
“It’s only natural that conversations with the likes of Verstappen are ongoing,” Russell said. “But with the performance I’m showing right now, I’ve got zero reason to be worried.” If the deal goes through, Russell will definitely leave Mercedes as his rivalry with Verstappen dates back to Qatar last year when both got into heated argument in the stewards room followed by Russell’s interview labelling Max “bully” and person he’s got “no respect for”.
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