F1 | Max Verstappen to Mercedes after 2026? George Russell reacts confidently. Speculation about Max Verstappen joining Mercedes after 2026 continues to swirl.

The driver market could heat up after 2026, with the “domino effect” potentially triggered by Max Verstappen moving to Mercedes.

Throughout the summer of 2025, rumors circulated about Verstappen’s future with Mercedes after 2026. While these whispers have faded slightly, they have not disappeared entirely and continue to fuel fans’ and enthusiasts’ speculation. In this context, the comments of George Russell, the driver most likely to give way to the Dutchman, are particularly relevant.

The early difficulties of Red Bull Racing during the 2025 season reignited speculation about the reigning world champion’s future, opening the door to the possibility of a departure. Rumors intensified ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, when George Russell confirmed that Max Verstappen’s management had had contacts with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

Despite this, Verstappen reiterated his loyalty to Red Bull over the summer, while Mercedes confirmed its driver lineup: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. In an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, George Russell explained that he had never feared losing his seat.

Russell’s words

“I’m not worried about potentially losing my seat,” said the British driver. “As a team, of course, you want the best driver pairing possible. You have to aim for the top talent the market can offer. Verstappen is simply the best driver on the grid right now.”

Even if such a scenario seems unlikely, the 1998-born driver acknowledged the potential for a partnership with the Dutchman. “When you put the best drivers side by side, a clash is inevitable sooner or later,” he added. “And it’s understandable for a team to have some reservations.”

George Russell also pointed to Mercedes’ recent past as an example of a successful balance, recalling the coexistence of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas—a pairing that delivered consistent results and stability over multiple seasons.

As the F1 community looks toward the post-2026 landscape, George Russell remains confident in his standing at Mercedes, acknowledging Max Verstappen’s status as the grid’s benchmark while welcoming the challenge of a high-performance environment.