Max Verstappen to Mercedes could still be on cards despite double contract deal
Max Verstappen remains in the frame for a Mercedes seat despite George Russell signing a new contract with the Silver Arrows
Rumours connecting Max Verstappen with Mercedes refuse to disappear, despite George Russell securing his immediate future with the Silver Arrows. Russell, 27, penned a fresh multi-year deal this week following lengthy talks and ongoing speculation linking four-time world champion Verstappen with the Brackley-based outfit.
Mercedes have at last confirmed their driver pairing through to the conclusion of next season, with Russell’s team-mate Kimi Antonelli tied down until the end of 2026 as well.
That could potentially leave the door open for Verstappen to be pursued for 2027, with many convinced Mercedes, whose engine partners include McLaren, are perfectly positioned to possess the best power unit for the sport’s regulations reset next season. Mirror Sport looks at how the next couple of years could pan out for Verstappen…
Russell’s contract ambiguity
Given the uncertainty surrounding next year’s pecking order following the significant rule changes, drivers and teams are maintaining their flexibility. While Russell’s multi-year agreement implies he remains bound to the squad past 2026, there may be escape clauses for both sides.
It’s important to recall that Lewis Hamilton signed a fresh “two-year deal” with Mercedes in August 2023, beginning in 2024. Nevertheless, just months afterwards, he announced he would be joining Ferrari for 2025, meaning his Mercedes agreement was effectively a one-year contract with the ‘option’ of a second.
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Russell’s fresh deal could be similar, but the ambiguity surrounding the official statement has sparked more queries than clarity. Regardless, should Russell deliver on Mercedes’ anticipated pace in 2026 and challenge for championship glory – while once again getting the better of Antonelli – he would find himself in an incredibly strong position to keep hold of his drive.
He said: “We’re not achieving the results that we believe we are capable of, but next year is a huge opportunity for me as a driver, for the team. It’s a massive reset and it’s an exciting one. I’m super happy, and together we’re super happy to continue this journey. We’ve got this common goal of winning and bringing Mercedes back on top.”
Verstappen’s get-out clause
The reigning champion remains contractually bound to Red Bull through 2028, yet that didn’t prevent Mercedes chief Toto Wolff from publicly pursuing the Dutchman, who has been 2025’s most impressive performer.
There was believed to be a performance-related clause that would have allowed Verstappen to join another team for 2027. However, Verstappen’s excellence behind the wheel of a challenging Red Bull machine meant that exit route disappeared following the Belgian Grand Prix, as he remained within the championship’s top three.
A comparable provision will likely feature again next season, with increased prospects of it being triggered. Red Bull, who have relied on Honda power in recent seasons, will switch to their own engine from next year as part of a “strategic partnership” with Ford.
It would be a surprise if Red Bull’s power unit proves competitive immediately, which might leave Verstappen feeling restless. Irrespective of how Russell and Antonelli are faring, Wolff is unlikely to turn down the chance to secure the sport’s premier driver, so it remains entirely feasible that Verstappen could join the Silver Arrows for 2027.
Russell vs Verstappen?
Wolff would need to consider whether he can manage the potentially explosive pairing of Russell and Verstappen (unless he opts to stick with Antonelli). It would represent the most formidable driver line-up on the grid but also the most volatile, given their various clashes in recent times.
Wolff has previous experience with feuding teammates, having battled to maintain harmony between Hamilton and Nico Rosberg during their title fights from 2014 to 2016. Will he fancy going through that ordeal once more? If it delivers a return to that level of supremacy, it might be a cost the Austrian is prepared to accept.
Wolff would be hesitant to release Antonelli, having committed substantial time and investment in the promising Italian. However, unless he can dramatically raise his performance next season, he would be the driver most at risk of losing his seat to Verstappen.
Verstappen’s other options
Verstappen could be spoilt for choice if he decides to part ways with Red Bull, with Aston Martin another potential option. That move could be appealing for a variety of reasons.
Billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll has deep pockets, having made several high-profile technical appointments, including Adrian Newey, the design mastermind who was instrumental in Verstappen’s Red Bull success.
Adding another connection to Red Bull, Aston will transition from Mercedes to Honda engines from next year. Verstappen will undoubtedly be monitoring developments at Aston’s Silverstone base closely.
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