Mercedes Confirms Talks to Sign Max Verstappen, Contracted to Red Bull Until 2028, as George Russell Awaits Renewal

60 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)

Updated Jul 5, 2025, 10:40 AM

Mercedes is actively engaged in negotiations to sign reigning four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen for the 2026 season, intensifying speculation about a potential high-profile driver transfer. Verstappen, currently under contract with Red Bull Racing through 2028, is reportedly open to leaving the team, with discussions described as advanced by multiple sources including Sky Sports Italia. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has publicly confirmed the team's interest in Verstappen and acknowledged ongoing talks, while emphasizing that George Russell, whose contract with Mercedes remains unsigned for 2026, is still a priority for the team. Russell has expressed confidence in his future with Mercedes, stating that the likelihood of him leaving is exceptionally low and affirming his loyalty to the team amid the rumors.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has downplayed the likelihood of Verstappen's departure, affirming the Dutch driver intends to stay with Red Bull next season but also admitted the team is preparing for a future without him. Horner highlighted the challenges Red Bull faces in maintaining engine competitiveness against Mercedes under new regulations for 2026. Verstappen himself has remained non-committal about his future, neither confirming nor denying the rumors, but has ruled out taking a sabbatical next year. The potential signing of Verstappen by Mercedes could lead to a notable reshuffle in the Formula 1 driver lineup, with speculation about possible pairings including Verstappen alongside George Russell or Kimi Antonelli. Former Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has expressed interest in seeing how the situation unfolds. Mercedes aims to finalize its 2026 driver lineup during the upcoming summer break in the F1 season.

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#Mercedes #Max Verstappen #Verstappen #Red Bull Racing #Sky Sports Italia #Toto Wolff #George Russell #Russell #Red Bull #Christian Horner #Dutch #Horner #Kimi Antonelli #Lewis Hamilton #F1

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Sources

autosport.com(10)motorsport.com(8)reforma.com(6)excelsior.com.mx(4)

Autosport

@autosport

🗣️ "To expect us to be ahead of Mercedes next year… It would be embarrassing for Mercedes if we were, or for any manufacturer." Red Bull's Christian Horner admits the team building instantly competitive engines for the 2026 #F1 season will be tough:

Motorsport.com

@Motorsport

"To expect us to be ahead of Mercedes next year is… It would be embarrassing for Mercedes if we were, or for any manufacturer" 💬 Christian Horner weighs up Red Bull's long-term chances in #F1's next era – and the odds of retaining Max Verstappen 👇

Motorsport.com

@Motorsport

"To expect us to be ahead of Mercedes next year is… It would be embarrassing for Mercedes if we were, or for any manufacturer" 💬 Christian Horner weighs up Red Bull's long-term chances in #F1's new regulations era, and with it the odds of retaining Max Verstappen's confidence