Max Verstappen has committed to Red Bull for the 2026 Formula 1 season, effectively ending speculation about a potential switch to Mercedes. The Dutch driver’s decision, confirmed by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, clears the path for Mercedes to secure George Russell’s future with the team.
Russell, whose current deal runs out at the end of 2025, has been in limbo amid Mercedes’ interest in Verstappen. Now, with that pursuit off the table, team principal Toto Wolff has indicated that talks with the British driver are progressing swiftly toward a multi-year extension.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest the new contract could be worth around $40 million, reflecting Russell’s strong performances this year, including his recent win at the Austrian Grand Prix. Wolff described the situation as straightforward, emphasizing Russell’s value to Mercedes’ push for titles under the upcoming 2026 regulations.
Verstappen, tied to Red Bull until 2028, cited the team’s stability and his ongoing success—leading the 2025 drivers’ championship—as key factors in his choice. This move stabilizes Red Bull’s lineup alongside Sergio Pérez, while Mercedes can now focus on pairing Russell with a yet-to-be-confirmed teammate, potentially from their junior ranks like Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
The development comes as the 2025 season heats up, with Mercedes showing improved pace after recent upgrades. Russell, speaking ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, expressed relief but stressed his focus remains on track results rather than contract drama.
Sources (click to expand):
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6471720/2025/07/03/max-verstappen-george-russell-f1-contracts/,
https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/c79q3vvvy3jo,
https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13388838/george-russell-says-mercedes-talks-with-max-verstappen-are-delaying-him-being-offered-a-new-contract,
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/03/george-russell-mercedes-f1-british-grand-prix-max-verstappen-formula-one,
https://racingnews365.com/george-russell-contract-claim-made-that-is-creating-major-mercedes-max-verstappen-problem,
https://www.skysports.com/f1/video/12870/13404134/its-not-a-comfortable-situation-for-george-will-mercedes-extend-russells-contract,
https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13403035/george-russell-mercedes-closing-in-on-agreeing-multi-year-contract-extension-with-british-driver-amid-max-verstappen-interest,
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/racing/george-russell-sign-40m-contract-extension-mercedes-f1-report-2105110,
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1057366/f1-news-today-toto-wolff-issues-mercedes-contract-update-george-russell-major-rival-signing-confirmed/,
https://autoracing1.com/pl/456301/f1-news-marko-confirms-verstappen-to-stay-russell-close-to-huge-merc-deal
