Wolff Backs Russell, But Verstappen Still in the Frame

Mercedes looks to secure George Russell long-term—yet whispers grow louder about a potential swoop for Max Verstappen in 2026.

As Formula 1 shifts from Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, fresh reports suggest George Russell’s future at Mercedes looks increasingly secure. But behind the scenes, this may be more than just loyalty—it could be a strategic nudge aimed at Max Verstappen’s camp.

Russell, 27, has been one of the most consistent drivers on the grid in 2025, and with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season, Mercedes is reportedly offering a new deal that would keep him through 2027, with an option for 2028.

But the timing of the leak has raised eyebrows. According to insiders, Russell’s contract offer might be a calculated message to Max Verstappen’s team. Verstappen’s father, Jos, and his manager Raymond Vermeulen were seen talking to Toto Wolff in Bahrain—possibly feeling out future possibilities.

While Max remains committed to Red Bull, his frustration is growing. Ongoing technical issues and doubts surrounding Red Bull’s 2026 power unit project are testing his patience.

Wolff, meanwhile, remains highly impressed with Russell’s form.

“He’s leaving me speechless right now,” Wolff said. “We’ve all been focused on Lewis going to Ferrari, or on Kimi Antonelli as the next big thing. But George has been overlooked. That’s not fair—he’s one of the best out there.”

If Wolff does manage to lure Verstappen away from Red Bull, it’s possible that Antonelli, the 18-year-old Mercedes junior, could be loaned to another team to make space. Ferrari has already been floated as a potential destination.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali commented:

“Italy needs a young star in the sport. Before calling him a future champion, we need to wait, but he clearly has what it takes. An Italian driver in an Italian car—that would be special. But I doubt Toto agrees with that idea.”

Ferrari team boss Frédéric Vasseur is also unlikely to make room, with their Hamilton-Leclerc pairing locked in through at least the end of 2026.

Could Verstappen Really Be Headed to Aston Martin?

Some in the paddock believe Verstappen could follow design guru Adrian Newey to Aston Martin. But sources say that project is still years away from being competitive. For a four-time world champion looking for immediate wins, Mercedes presents a more realistic opportunity.

That may explain why talks between Mercedes and the Verstappen camp have reportedly intensified recently—while there’s said to be “nothing happening” between Max and Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll.

Honda, Aston Martin’s future engine supplier, tried to cool the speculation. Koji Watanabe, Honda’s F1 boss, said:

“Someone asked if we’d like to supply engines to Max. Of course I said yes. What else would you expect me to say? ‘No, we don’t want him?’”

“There was a report suggesting we choose Aston’s drivers, but that’s not quite accurate—just like with Red Bull, it’s a shared decision. We can’t force anything.”

“Right now, there’s no clear path for Max to join Aston Martin. It’s all rumors. He’s still with Red Bull, and with us, at least until the end of this year.”

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Wolff Backs Russell, But Verstappen Still in the Frame Wolff Backs Russell, But Verstappen Still in the Frame