In the ever-changing world of Formula 1, few rumours carry as much weight as the possibility of Max Verstappen switching teams. While his long-standing relationship with Red Bull has weathered countless speculations, the idea of the four-time world champion eventually wearing Mercedes overalls refuses to die down. Now, George Russell himself has addressed the matter in a revelation that has reignited the rumour mill — and, in doing so, dropped a bombshell that could shift the entire 2026 F1 narrative.
The Verstappen–Mercedes connection has existed for some time, gaining real momentum after Lewis Hamilton stunned the paddock by signing with Ferrari. As Mercedes scrambled to restructure post-Hamilton, speculation mounted that team boss Toto Wolff would pursue the best driver in the sport: Verstappen. However, Wolff made the bold and somewhat risky decision to promote teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli to race alongside Russell in 2025, effectively closing the door on a Verstappen switch. Or so it seemed.
However, the latest remarks from Russell suggest that the door might not be shut after all, but rather left slightly ajar.
‘Russell dumped for Verstappen’
George Russell lifts the lid
In an interview with NextGen Auto, Russell was surprisingly candid when asked about Mercedes’ future and the rumours linking Verstappen with the Silver Arrows once again.
“Mercedes wants to return to the top,” he explained.
“To achieve this, you need the best drivers, the best engineers and the best pit crew, and that’s what Mercedes is looking for.” So it’s normal that discussions with drivers like Verstappen continue. I don’t think that will surprise anyone.”
The language used was telling — this wasn’t a vague denial or a dismissive brush-off. Instead, Russell acknowledged the ongoing talks between Mercedes and Verstappen as part of a broader strategy to restore the Brackley-based team to their former glory. Coming from the team’s current lead driver, this admission carries serious weight and hints at a long-term plan that could finally see Verstappen make the switch that Wolff has long coveted.
Post-Hamilton recalibration
Lewis Hamilton’s departure marked the end of an era at Mercedes. Not only was the seven-time world champion the face of the team, he was also the heartbeat of its dominant run from 2014 to 2021. Replacing him was never going to be easy. Many believed that Mercedes’ ideal succession plan involved Verstappen, a generational talent who could fill the void left by Hamilton.
However, he remained loyal to Red Bull throughout the turbulence of late 2024, including internal conflicts and a power shift behind the scenes. By early 2025, Red Bull had sacked Sergio Pérez and then Liam Lawson after just two races. Verstappen’s position was becoming increasingly isolated. However, the pragmatic Dutchman chose not to jump ship — at least for now.
Meanwhile, Mercedes promoted their teenage prodigy, Kimi Antonelli, to a race seat alongside Russell, finalising their 2025 line-up and seemingly putting the Verstappen chase on hold. However, with new engine regulations set to shake up the sport in 2026, Mercedes may have unfinished business — and Verstappen could yet play a central role in it.
The 2026 reshuffle and Verstappen’s contract clause
While he is technically under contract with Red Bull until 2028, it has long been known that the deal contains several performance-related clauses and escape options, particularly relating to the future of key personnel such as Helmut Marko and Adrian Newey. Both of these individuals have seen their influence at Red Bull dramatically decrease over the past 12 months.
With the new power unit era beginning in 2026, Mercedes have been pouring resources into their next-generation engine project, banking on a rules reset to overtake McLaren, who are currently leading both championships. Bringing in Verstappen would be the ultimate coup, not only making a statement of intent, but also instantly elevating the team back into title contention.
This is precisely where George Russell’s comments come into play.
Is an awkward partnership brewing?
If Verstappen were to join Mercedes in 2026, he would almost certainly be partnered with Russell — unless the team decided to part ways with their current leader. This seems unlikely, given Russell’s consistent performances and his deep integration into the Mercedes structure. However, Formula 1 has paired top-tier talent in the same garage before.
Russell, at least outwardly, doesn’t appear fazed.
‘If I perform well, what do I have to worry about?’ he said when asked if Verstappen’s potential arrival might threaten his position. ‘There are two seats in each Formula 1 team.’
This calm confidence is typical of Russell, but the power dynamics would undoubtedly shift behind the scenes if Verstappen were to arrive. Having two top drivers in one team rarely ends well — just ask Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
There has been no word on Russell’s contract extension
Adding further intrigue to the Verstappen-to-Mercedes narrative is the uncertainty surrounding Russell’s own contract. Unlike Antonelli, who was recently confirmed for the 2025 season, Russell has yet to sign a new deal — something that has attracted attention, given Mercedes’ usually meticulous succession planning.
“There’s no major news at the moment,” Russell admitted when asked about his contract status. ‘It’s not something I’m really focusing on because, as I’ve always said, performance is the priority. I think my current performance is still in line with what I’ve shown in recent years, so I have no reason to worry. But obviously, it’s easier to have a written contract. We’ll see.’
The phrase ‘we’ll see’ hangs in the air like a question mark. Could Mercedes be keeping their options open? Are they waiting to see how Antonelli performs in 2025 before finalising their long-term driver line-up? Or are they still dreaming of the Verstappen–Russell superteam?
Strategic timing: 2026 and beyond
The 2026 season looms large in the background of all these developments. It will mark the beginning of a new technical era for Formula 1, with overhauled chassis and radically different power units. For teams like Mercedes, who lost their competitive advantage in the early years of ground effect regulations, 2026 offers a chance to reset and potentially overtake current front-runners like McLaren and Red Bull.
If Verstappen were to switch teams, 2026 would be the logical time to do so. This would align with his potential exit clauses and give him the opportunity to establish himself at Mercedes, just as Hamilton did in 2013.
For now, however, Verstappen remains a Red Bull driver, with Antonelli next in line at Mercedes. However, beneath the surface, pieces are being moved and conversations are happening. Russell’s not-so-subtle admission suggests that the paddock’s biggest bombshell may yet detonate. In the ever-changing world of Formula 1, nothing stays still for long. Max Verstappen’s next move could redefine the sport once again.
Verstappen’s right-hand man replaced
MORE F1 NEWS – New FIA penalties published. Should Verstappen have been banned in Spain?
Today the FIA have for the first time published the guidelines given to F1 stewards on how to handle on track infringements. This document has been produced since 2022 after the accession by Mohammed Ben Sulayem too the role of FIA president.
The previous season there had been a number of incidents involving Verstappen and Hamilton in their titanic battle to be F1 champion and there was significant criticism of the FIA for alleged inconsistent handling of the various instances. This led to the F1 driving standards guidelines being provided to the stewards.
It was only late last season when the existence of the secret document came to light, when the handling of incidents between Verstappen and Norris in Austin and Mexico City cause a huge debate amongst paddock analysts. Max was accused in COTA of diving down the inside, claiming the corner whilst running his rival off track…. READ MORE
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
