Max Verstappen continues to be a target for Mercedes, even after George Russell and Kimi Antonelli secured their positions for the 2026 season. Team principal Toto Wolff’s interest in Verstappen underscores the recognition of the Dutch champion as one of the most proficient drivers currently on the Formula 1 grid.
Following extensive negotiations, Russell recently signed a new contract with Mercedes, while Antonelli’s retention was also confirmed. Notably, the announcements made it clear that the current driver lineup is only set for 2026, leaving the door open for a potential seat for Verstappen in 2027. Should Mercedes successfully adapt to the forthcoming regulations, they could emerge as the most attractive option in F1.
Despite having a contract with Red Bull until 2028, Verstappen’s deal includes specific exit clauses allowing him to leave earlier, and there’s speculation that Red Bull might not obstruct his departure, acknowledging his significant contributions to the team.
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Russell expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of racing alongside Verstappen, emphasizing that it would provide him with an opportunity to prove his status as the top driver in F1. Russell has already experienced the challenge of outperforming Lewis Hamilton, the sport’s most successful driver, outscoring him in two of their three seasons together.
Should Verstappen join Mercedes, a scenario where he bests Russell would likely be anticipated, while Russell highlighted the potential reputational risks for Verstappen if he were to perform poorly in comparison.
Russell acknowledged the competitive nature of their relationship, clarifying that they are neither friends nor adversaries. Their relationship has seen a degree of stabilization since a tense moment following a grid penalty dispute at the Qatar Grand Prix in 2024, although they clashed again during a race in Spain earlier this year, without any significant fallout.
For his part, Russell has now revealed that his contract includes a performance clause guaranteeing his seat for 2027 if he meets certain performance thresholds. He stated, “So I’m not being strung along here. We’re not going to be in the same position as we were six months ago. If I perform, then 100 percent I’ll be staying.”
The dynamic between these two elite drivers continues to evolve, and the prospect of Verstappen at Mercedes keeps fans excited about the future of Formula 1. The potential for an intensely competitive environment, should Verstappen join, would undoubtedly elevate the excitement around the sport, highlighting the rivalry that could define the coming seasons.