Austrian GP 2025 – George Russell has confirmed that Mercedes Verstappen are engaged in talks with reigning world champion Max Verstappen for a possible 2026 move, adding fresh intrigue to Formula 1’s already heated driver market.
Speaking ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, Russell told Sky Sports that it’s “only normal” for Mercedes to be speaking to a talent like Verstappen, even as he downplayed concerns about his own future at the team.
“If I’m performing as I’m doing, what have I got to be concerned about?” said the 27-year-old Briton, currently third in the championship, just 19 points behind Verstappen. “There are two seats in every Formula 1 team.”
Russell Confident Despite Verstappen Rumors
Russell emphasized that Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff had assured him of his standing within the team, praising his performances despite an uncompetitive car over the past three season Mercedes Verstappens.
“Toto has made it clear to me that how I’m performing is as good as anybody,” Russell told BBC Sport. “There is only one driver you can debate in terms of performance.”
Wolff, addressing the media in Austria, reiterated his support for Russell but refused to be drawn into specific discussions about Verstappen: “You are going into territory I don’t want to discuss out there,” he said.
Why Verstappen to Mercedes Could Happen
Although Max Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, the deal is believed to contain break clauses. Verstappen has not committed publicly to Red Bull for 2026, only stating, “It’s not really on my mind.”
Several developments suggest Verstappen could be tempted to switch Mercedes Verstappen:
- Red Bull have lost key personnel, including Adrian Newey (now with Aston Martin) and Jonathan Wheatley (now at Sauber).
- McLaren have emerged as F1’s fastest team, with Oscar Piastri leading the standings.
- Mercedes are believed to be ahead of Red Bull in preparing their 2026 engine package.
- Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, has a fractured relationship with Red Bull boss Christian Horner.
All of these factors make Mercedes a more appealing proposition for Verstappen than they were even a year ago.
Would Verstappen and Russell Work Together?
A potential Mercedes Verstappen-Russell pairing could create a volatile dynamic. The two drivers have had tense exchanges on and off track, and it’s unclear whether such a duo would cooperate harmoniously within the same garage.
Russell is currently partnered with rookie Kimi Antonelli, a fellow Mercedes junior driver who may remain the second seat option if Verstappen declines.
Toto Wolff: No Rush on Russell Contract
Team principal Wolff said Mercedes and Russell have a timeline in mind: “The ambience in the team is great. We’ve agreed on when to settle these things… we’re going to get there.”
He added: “George has always delivered. He’s been with us since he was 16. This isn’t about whether he wins a race – we know his level.”
Verstappen’s Red Bull Loyalty Fading?
Since his F1 debut in 2015 with Red Bull, Verstappen has never driven for another team. However, with Red Bull’s performance slipping and internal tensions rising, his future no longer appears certain.
Verstappen is currently third in the standings, 43 points behind McLaren’s Piastri, and recently admitted he doesn’t feel “in the title fight”. Red Bull’s supremacy since the 2022 regulation reset has clearly faded.
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Source: BBC Sport
