Formula 1 lives days of maximum tension and speculation. The Paddock is revolutionized after the filtration of the new George Russell contract with Mercedes, a movement that could completely change the future of Max Verstappen and the Domain of Red Bull. Is Mercedes playing their cards to attract the Dutch champion or simply ensuring his present with Russell? We analyze all the keys to this soap opera that has fans and experts attached to social networks.
George Russell has been one of the most prominent pilots of the 2025 season, accumulating podiums and demonstrating that he is one of the strongest talents of the grill. However, the renewal of his contract with Mercedes has not become official, which has fed rumors about the true interest of the German team in maintaining him as his future leader.
According to sources close to the team, Russell would be close to signing a two -year extension, with an option to a third until 2028. Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes, has publicly praised Russell’s performance and maturity, but the lack of a final announcement has raised suspicions: Are Mercedes waiting for Verstappen before closing the door to other options?
Max Verstappen, worldwide tetracampeón and current reference of Red Bull, faces an unpublished scenario. The internal turbulence in Red Bull and the performance clauses in their contract have opened the door to a possible exit before 2028. If Verstappen falls outside the Top 3 of the championship after a certain point of the season, it could activate its exhaust clause and negotiate with other teams4.
Mercedes, who already had conversations with the Verstappen environment during the past summer, does not hide his interest. Toto Wolff has been clear: “Not flirting if I am in a good relationship, but in F1 you can never close any door.” The possibility of a signing by 2026, coinciding with the radical change of regulations and engines, is more alive than ever.
The filtration of the new Russell contract could be a Mercedes master play. On the one hand, they ensure the continuity of a young pilot, fast and committed to the project. On the other, they maintain pressure on Verstappen and Red Bull, making it clear that they have first level alternatives and that they will not hesitate to move if the Dutch is free.
Analysts point out that, although Russell is signing a brilliant season, Mercedes would not hesitate to sacrifice it if he has the opportunity to sign Verstappen, considered by many as the best pilot today. The ruthless nature of Formula 1 makes any seat insured until the ink is dry in the contract.
If Verstappen decides to leave Red Bull, the domino effect would be immediate. Mercedes is positioned as the most attractive destination, but Aston Martin, with Honda as a new engines partner, also appears on the horizon. Red Bull, meanwhile, would have to reinvent himself and find a new leader for his project4.
Meanwhile, Russell keeps calm publicly: “There is no hurry or pressure. Mercedes is my house and I trust the team.” But rumors grow and each race without an official announcement adds firewood to the fire.
The battle for the future of Formula 1 is more open than ever. Mercedes and Russell have launched a media bomb that puts Verstappen and Red Bull in check. Will it be a strategy to force the hand of the Dutch, or will we really see Russell and Verstappen sharing garage in 2026?
The only sure thing is that the Season Silly of the F1 is crazer than ever and any movement can change the balance of power in the grill. The coming months will be decisive and fans cannot look away from the news. The war on the throne of Formula 1 has just begun!
