Ahead of the Austrian GP, George Russell announced to the F1 world that four-time world champion Max Verstappen was in talks with Mercedes over a possible switch. Reports have since gathered pace, with some claiming Mercedes would be willing to pay more than 100 million euros to secure the Dutchman’s services.
Verstappen has a long-term contract until 2028. However, Max reportedly has an exit clause in his contract. If terms are met, the reigning world champion could walk away from Red Bull for free and join whoever he wants.
The issue for George Russell is that his contract expires at the end of this season. This has led former F1 driver David Coulthard to question why Russell hasn’t re-signed to the Silver Arrows.
Former race winner questions why Mercedes is yet to confirm George Russell for 2026
As well as George Russell’s contract expiring at the end of the season, so does his teammate’s, Kimi Antonelli. David Coulthard, who has 13 Grand Prix wins to his name, believes if Verstappen were to sign with Mercedes, it shouldn’t be Russell who leaves. He considers the whole situation surrounding the Brit “bizarre.”
Speaking to F1.com, Coulthard commented: “George not being officially signed [for the 2026 season] is slightly bizarre. Based on the performance right now, even if there was a change in Mercedes’ line-up, you wouldn’t think it would be George who would be the change.”
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Russell is having a better season than his rookie teammate. The 27-year-old won in Canada this season and has been and stood on the podium on four other occasions. Meanwhile, Antonelli joined his teammate on the podium in Canada, but has failed to score in five of his last six races.
However, Antonelli is only 18 years old and has a bright future ahead of him. Mercedes missed out on Verstappen in 2014, and believes Kimi could be in the same ilk as the Dutchman. They have spent a lot of money investing in his future, and would not want to let him go. If Verstappen does come in, Russell is more likely to be the driver to depart.
Will Mercedes be able to tempt Max Verstappen away from Red Bull?
Mercedes will have a lot to offer Max Verstappen next season. Current predictions place the Silver Arrows’ power unit at the top of the pile. The new 2026 regulation focuses more on power than aerodynamics, meaning a good engine is key. Mercedes got it right at the beginning of the hybrid era, and it is looking good for them again at the new cycle.
In contrast, Red Bull is reportedly behind with their power unit. The Milton Keynes-based team is partnering with Ford to create their first powertrain. If Max Verstappen believes the gap is too big to bridge, leaving Red Bull could be his only chance of challenging for another title.
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However, there are also reports saying that Max Verstappen will remain at Red Bull. Gerhard Burger thinks the four-time world champion will stay due to loyalty. There is also uncertainty around who will have a good car for the new cycle in 2026. Verstappen may stay at Red Bull for one more season to judge who has it right, and then plan to move the following season.
Where do you think Max Verstappen will be driving next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
