Two Hints Make a Clue?
Back in April, the Italian media suggested that, after more than a year of behind-the-scenes contact, Mercedes and Max Verstappen could finally join forces for 2026.
Sure, Toto Wolff already has a highly competitive George Russell and a rapidly developing Andrea Kimi Antonelli—especially after the Briton’s win and the Italian’s third place in Canada—so letting go of either, both being Mercedes juniors, would be a tough call.
But Max Verstappen’s recent comments during the press conference (“Will I drive for Red Bull next year? It’s not something I’m thinking about now. I just want to perform at my best, then we’ll see”) hardly reflect the attitude of a driver with a contract until 2028 and a clear commitment to stay.
Adding fuel to the speculation were George Russell’s remarks to Sky Sports UK, where he essentially confirmed talks between Max Verstappen and Mercedes. He was notably more direct than he was two weeks ago, when he merely hinted that Max was “on the team’s radar.”
George Russell’s Future
“Mercedes wants to return to the top, and to do that you need the best drivers, the best engineers, the best crew in the pit lane—and that’s what Mercedes is working on. So it’s only natural there are talks with someone like Verstappen,” George Russell admitted candidly.
With one win and five podiums in ten races so far this season, the 27-year-old remains composed despite his contract expiring at the end of the year. “From my point of view, if I’m performing like this, what should I be worried about? There are two seats in every F1 team. I think Toto is still deciding who his two drivers will be, and I guess the delay comes from that. He made it clear to me that he considers my performances this year to be among the best.”
Speaking about his own future, George Russell added: “I want to be in the car that gives me the best chance to win. Nothing would make me happier than winning with Mercedes, but right now my only focus is being fast. If I’m fast, I won’t have to worry about anything.”
Meanwhile, from the Netherlands…
Looking at media outlets closely connected to the Max Verstappen camp offers a sense of the situation. De Telegraaf, in a piece by Erik Van Haren, highlighted another telling quote from Max during Thursday’s press day in Austria: “I think third place in the championship is honestly a miracle.”
The Dutch paper concluded: “It seems clear that Max Verstappen is in no rush and is waiting to see how things unfold. But above all, Toto Wolff is weighing all developments carefully, speaking warmly of Max in the media while secretly hoping for a blockbuster deal. Of course, Verstappen won’t suddenly say in an interview that he’s thinking of leaving—but the fact that he doesn’t want to, or can’t, offer clarity at this stage should be seen as a bad sign (for Red Bull).”
Leave a Reply