According 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\u2019s future with the German team.<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 loopholes Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff appears poised to exploit to secure the best driver on the grid in the last four years.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Wolff has made no secret of his admiration for Verstappen, stating earlier this year that the team would pursue \u201cthe best drivers available.\u201d However, the Mercedes boss also publicly backed Russell, praising his consistency and leadership as the team navigates a difficult transitional era.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s always performed to expectations,\u201d Wolff said. \u201cWe haven\u2019t given him a car to win a championship in the last three years, so that\u2019s on us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Russell, who recently claimed victory in Canada and sits fourth in the drivers\u2019 championship \u2014 just nine points behind Verstappen \u2014 hinted that his own contract talks have been delayed by Mercedes\u2019 interest in the Dutchman.<\/p>\n
\nGeorge Russell has suggested Mercedes’ continued pursuit of Max Verstappen is delaying an extension to his expiring contract \ud83d\udcd1\ud83d\udc40 pic.twitter.com\/7cboiH4f2o<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) June 26, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n