Toto Wolff has confirmed that Mercedes are holding discussions with Max Verstappen about a future move — and George Russell may need to look beyond extending his stay with the team.
George Russell is already under contract until the end of the 2025 season but, with both of Mercedes’ seats technically available for 2026 onwards, the landscape could change quickly. Rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli only signed a one-year deal after stepping in for Lewis Hamilton — and Max Verstappen continues to be linked with a dramatic switch from Red Bull.
Talks between Verstappen and Mercedes have already taken place, something team principal Toto Wolff confirmed publicly at the Austrian Grand Prix. Wolff admitted the team are “very transparent” internally about its plans and said Mercedes ‘clearly’ need to be aware of the wider driver market.
Speculation around Verstappen’s future intensified again over race weekend. Mercedes have long regretted missing out on signing him as a prospect — and the team see this moment as a possible chance to correct that mistake.
Timo Glock: George Russell should be looking elsewhere in case Verstappen joins Mercedes
Speaking to Sky Germany, Glock said the Briton needs to be proactive about his future, and praised the job Russell is doing in the current car: “What sets him apart is that he’s taken another step forward. Toto Wolff has also confirmed this. Toto is leaving the door open, and Russell has to look left and right to see where he might end up in the worst-case scenario.
“There are new engine regulations next year. From what we hear, Mercedes are very well positioned in this regard, and a clear step ahead of everyone else. At Mercedes, they are very confident and self-assured about the new powertrain.”
Russell’s options: Exit clause in Verstappen’s Red Bull deal could unsettle the market — and informals with Red Bull could be George Russell’s next pair of shoes
Verstappen’s £47m-a-year Red Bull contract currently runs through the 2028 season. But an exit clause in that deal is set to activate if he’s not in the top two of the drivers’ championship standings after the Austrian GP — something now out of his hands after a sprint race clash dropped him further back.
If Verstappen’s exit clause does become valid, he could field offers from across the grid. And Red Bull would need a top-line replacement.
Russell, with four wins, six pole positions and 20 podiums in his career, would be a logical target for Red Bull. And according to emerging links, Christian Horner has already made early contact about the possibility.
Russell’s immediate focus, though, will be on what happens next within Mercedes. Verstappen’s future — and whether Toto Wolff can persuade him to break his Red Bull contract — could end up shaping Russell’s next move, one way or another.
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