A bombshell dropped on Tuesday, July 1, with Sky Sports Italy reporting that Max Verstappen is close to a move to Mercedes. These speculations have put Mercedes incumbent driver George Russell’s position under pressure. The Briton remains without a contract for 2026.
Ahead of the Austrian GP, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confirmed his interest in signing Max Verstappen for the German team. George Russell also claimed the team had delayed extending his contract because they are pursuing a move for the Dutchman.
These admissions, coupled with chat around supposed exit clauses in Verstappen’s Red Bull contract, have only intensified the uncertainty surrounding his future. Now, Sky Italia have reported that a Verstappen-Mercedes partnership is ever so close.
Both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are currently without a Mercedes contract for 2026. But majority reports suggest that Russell is more likely to make way if Verstappen arrives. Wolff sees Antonelli as a generational talent. Russell and Verstappen as a teammate pairing would also be difficult to manage.
If Verstappen does end up at Mercedes in 2026, Russell could be out of a seat. His options could also be limited. The most likely move would be for him to join the Red Bull project. Aston Martin have also been touted as potential suitors for the Briton.
The 27-year-old has taken well to the role of team leader at the Silver Arrows this year. He has been one of the most impressive drivers on the grid in 2025. But the cut-throat nature of F1 means he could still be out of a seat in 2026.
George Russell “nervous” amid Max Verstappen Mercedes rumors, claims Martin Brundle
Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle has claimed that George Russell is “nervous” as reports of Max Verstappen agreeing to join Mercedes surface. The 66-year-old is sure that Russell is approaching other teams behind the scenes, to secure his future for 2026 and beyond.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Brundle claimed that something unknown is at play behind the scenes, as “there is no fuel without fire”.
“I think George Russell is nervous and ringing around a little bit. There’s no smoke without fire,” said Brundle. [as reported by PlanetF1]
“2026 is massive, biggest change ever in F1 for the chassis and power unit and you guess Mercedes will be there or thereabouts. Would you put Red Bull (there) and can Max actually get out of his contract? Something’s up.” he added.
Mercedes are expected to have the best power-unit in 2026. And Red Bull have widely been reported to be struggling with the development of theirs. This could be the major reason behind Verstappen looking for a switch.
Toto Wolff has always been fond of Russell. But the Austrian has never hidden his admiration of Verstappen either. It is highly unlikely that he would give up the chance of signing one of F1’s greatest ever talents.
