George Russell explores a Plan B with Red Bull while Mercedes quietly position themselves to lure Verstappen ahead of F1’s 2026 shake-up.
In the ever-shifting world of Formula 1, Max Verstappen’s future is once again the talk of the paddock, but according to the Dutchman himself, he’s not the one doing the talking.
While Verstappen hasn’t confirmed or denied behind-the-scenes negotiations, his management is reportedly in close contact with both Mercedes and Aston Martin. Publicly, all parties say they’re happy with their current lineups. But behind the curtain, the landscape could be shifting.
Aston Martin already has Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll locked in for 2026. Mercedes, on the other hand, has no confirmed drivers beyond this season. George Russell and rising star Kimi Antonelli are both out of contract — and the uncertainty is opening doors.
Russell recently acknowledged in Jeddah that most of the rumors swirling around are “largely true.” He also said he’d understand if Mercedes went after Verstappen — and that’s exactly why he’s keeping his options open.
In a move that’s turned heads, Russell has reportedly reached out to Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner. While there’s no suggestion yet of a Verstappen–Russell pairing, Horner is preparing for all scenarios. Verstappen holds a performance-based exit clause in his contract, valid if he’s not in the top two by mid-season — a clause that could end his deal three years early, in 2025 instead of 2028.
Should Verstappen leave, Red Bull would likely need to look beyond their current talent pool. If he ends up replacing Russell at Mercedes, the switch would be logical — though logic rarely defines the F1 driver market.
But if Verstappen were to make a move to Aston Martin instead, things could get far more complicated for Red Bull.
Another possible twist? Verstappen could take a sabbatical in 2026 — watching from the sidelines to see which team emerges strongest under the new regulations, then returning in 2027 to the top seat available.
All this leaves Russell playing his cards carefully. Talks with Red Bull are believed to be about keeping all parties informed, but he’s also seen as a potential fit for Alpine — which will be powered by Mercedes engines in 2026. Russell has a history with team boss Oliver Oakes from his F3 days, and that connection could smooth the way if Mercedes and Verstappen end up joining forces.
In that scenario, Russell may find his next chapter at Enstone — with a little help from Toto Wolff.
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Russell in Contact with Red Bull as Verstappen Weighs Future Russell in Contact with Red Bull as Verstappen Weighs Future
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