Max Verstappen’s future
In recent weeks, rumors have intensified suggesting that Max Verstappen, dissatisfied with the competitiveness of the Red Bull RB21, might exercise a contract clause allowing him to leave the team if he is fourth or worse in the standings during the summer break in August. Aston Martin and Mercedes were considered possible destinations for 2026, as was speculated last year.
However, in Jeddah, Red Bull has made it clear they are confident in keeping their driver—further backed by the presence of Oliver Mintzlaff at the circuit—and Max Verstappen himself assured that he has not considered leaving the team.
What does Mercedes say?
As previously mentioned, Verstappen’s entourage had hinted through German media that they would be willing to listen to any offer from Mercedes. On this site, we had wondered if Toto Wolff would seize the opportunity or continue with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
The answer came directly from Toto Wolff in Jeddah on Friday, speaking to The Athletic: “We haven’t spoken to Max. At the moment, we have no doubts about George and Kimi that would make us question our driver pairing.”
The team principal and co-owner of Mercedes F1 also discussed George Russell’s contract renewal, which expires at the end of the season: “We will resume talks when we are in the European season, there’s no rush. He’s showing top-level performance, as we hoped and expected. We can’t ask for more. And more generally, we have no reason to question our current lineup.”
Clear words that leave no doubt about Mercedes’ intentions: they will continue with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
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