Max Verstappen remains the focal point of the Formula 1 driver market amid ongoing speculation about his future. Despite holding a valid contract with Red Bull until 2028, rumors suggest the four-time world champion is considering a move to Mercedes ahead of the 2026 rule changes. Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has highlighted George Russell as a significant obstacle in this potential transfer.
George Russell’s Growing Role at Mercedes and Its Impact on Verstappen’s Prospects
Since his promotion to Mercedes in 2022 after spending three seasons at Williams, British driver George Russell has stepped out of Lewis Hamilton’s shadow, especially after Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. Russell’s ambition has been to establish himself as the team leader at Brackley with the ultimate goal of securing a world championship. However, the rumors surrounding Max Verstappen’s possible switch to Mercedes cast uncertainty on Russell’s standing with the team.
It is widely believed that if Verstappen were to join Mercedes, Toto Wolff would consider replacing Russell to accommodate the Dutch driver. Russell has yet to be offered a contract extension for the upcoming season, which intensifies the speculation. His teammate, Kimi Antonelli, is also awaiting contract decisions, adding to the complex driver lineup situation at Mercedes.
Guenther Steiner’s Insight on the Contract Dynamics Between Verstappen and Russell
Guenther Steiner has shared a perspective that sheds light on the internal negotiations at Mercedes involving Russell’s contract and Verstappen’s possible arrival. Steiner suggested that Mercedes might prefer to offer Russell only a one-year deal, creating flexibility to potentially bring Verstappen in from 2027 onwards. However, Russell desires a longer-term contract to preserve his career stability, which conflicts with Mercedes’ strategic considerations.
“I think they want to give George a one-year contract to have the possibility of having Max in ’27, and George obviously says, ‘I don’t want a one-year contract. I want three years, something like this.”
—Guenther Steiner, Former Haas Team Principal
This tug-of-war over contract length between Russell and the Mercedes management complicates the possibility of a Verstappen transfer. A long-term deal for Russell would make it harder for Wolff to find space for Verstappen on the Silver Arrows roster.
Analyzing Max Verstappen’s Potential Timeline for a Mercedes Transition
The 2026 season is set to introduce the most significant technical changes in Formula 1 in over a decade, making next year’s grid highly unpredictable. This uncertainty may influence Verstappen’s decisions regarding his team affiliation. According to Steiner, Verstappen is likely to remain with Red Bull for the 2026 campaign to evaluate how competitors perform before making any long-term moves.
“But I think the biggest thing is, I would think Max says, ‘In ’26 I stay with Red Bull, see where everybody ends up performance-wise, and then maybe I make a change for ’27.’ Because I think he can do that as well—like every year, depending on the performance of the car—but obviously, Mercedes needs to have a place in ’27 for him.”
—Guenther Steiner, Former Haas Team Principal
This suggests Verstappen intends to monitor the 2026 season’s developments closely. Should Red Bull’s performance wane or Mercedes prove more competitive, Verstappen could then consider joining the Silver Arrows in 2027—but Mercedes must have a spot ready for him.
The Ongoing Uncertainty Surrounding Verstappen’s Contract Future
Despite all the speculation, Max Verstappen has not committed to any definitive decision regarding his future, maintaining an ambiguous stance amidst the rumors. Although the Dutch driver has historically displayed loyalty to Red Bull when negotiating contracts, persistent whispers about his departure hint at underlying tensions.
The potential switch to Mercedes would have substantial ramifications not only for Russell but also for the wider F1 landscape. Mercedes faces the challenge of balancing the ambitions of its current drivers while potentially accommodating one of the sport’s biggest stars. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s choices will significantly impact the competition dynamics as the new F1 regulations come into force.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will remain on Verstappen, Russell, and Mercedes management. Their decisions over the coming months will shape the sport’s future, keeping fans and analysts alike on edge throughout the ongoing driver market “silly season.”
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Max Verstappen a billionaire?
A. Different sources suggest that Max Verstappen’s net worth is around $210 million.
Q. Did Max Verstappen apologize?
A. Christian Horner shared that Max Verstappen said sorry to the Red Bull team after he collided with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. This incident caused Verstappen to fall from 5th place to 10th because of a 10-second penalty.
Q. Who did Max Verstappen lose respect for?
A. After a hearing with the stewards in Qatar regarding a qualifying incident, Max Verstappen expressed that he no longer respects George Russell.
Q. Has Max Verstappen apologized to Lando Norris?
A. He doesn’t have to say sorry. I don’t think he needs to apologize. The race was exciting and sometimes a bit risky, but it was fine. We’ve talked it over, and we’re both ready to compete again.