Speculation linking Max Verstappen with Mercedes will not go away, despite George Russell committing his immediate future to the team. Russell, 27, signed a new multi-year contract this week after protracted negotiations and persistent rumours linking four-time world champion Verstappen with the team.

Mercedes have finally announced their driver line-up until the end of next season, with Russell’s team-mate Kimi Antonelli locked in until the end of 2026. That potentially leaves the door ajar for Verstappen to be targeted again for 2027, with many believing Mercedes, whose engine partners include McLaren, are well-placed to boast the strongest power unit for the sport’s new regulations next season. Express Sport weighs up how the next couple of years could look for Verstappen…

Russell’s contract vagueness 

Given the uncertainty over next year’s pecking order following the seismic rules changes, drivers and teams are deliberately keeping their options open. While Russell’s multi-year deal suggests he is tied to the team beyond 2026, there is likely to be get-outs for both parties.

It’s worth remembering that Lewis Hamilton signed a new “two-year deal” with Mercedes in August 2023, commencing in 2024. However, just months later, he announced he would be joining Ferrari for 2025, meaning his Mercedes contract was actually a one-year deal with the ‘option’ of a second.

Russell’s new contract could be along similar lines but the vagueness of the official announcement has raised more questions than answers. Either way, if Russell can deliver on Mercedes’ expected competitiveness in 2026 and fight for the title – and outperform Antonelli again – he would be in a mighty position to retain the seat.

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 escape clause

The world champion is officially tied to Red Bull until 2028, but that did not stop Mercedes boss Toto Wolff from openly courting the Dutchman, who has been 2025’s standout driver. There was believed to be a performance-related clause that would have allowed Verstappen to join another team for 2027.

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But Verstappen’s brilliance in a tricky Red Bull car saw that escape option close after the Belgian Grand Prix as he was in the top three in the championship. A similar clause is likely to be in place next season, and there is a greater chance it could be activated.

Red Bull, who have been powered by Honda in recent years, will run with their own engine from next year as part of a “strategic partnership” with Ford. It would be a surprise if Red Bull’s power train is on the pace straight away, which could lead to Verstappen getting itchy feet. Regardless of how Russell and Antonelli are performing, Wolff is unlikely to pass up the opportunity to sign the sport’s top driver, so it is entirely possible Verstappen could join the Silver Arrows for 2027.

Russell vs Verstappen?

Wolff would have to weigh up whether he can deal with the potentially explosive combination of Russell and Verstappen (unless he decides to keep faith with Antonelli). It would be the strongest line-up on the grid but also the most combustible following various run-ins in recent seasons. 

Wolff is no stranger to warring teammates, having struggled to keep the peace between Hamilton and Nico Rosberg as they fought for the title between 2014 and 2016. Will he want to go through that again?

If it means a repeat of that dominance, it may be a price the Austrian is willing to pay. Wolff would be reluctant to let Antonelli go, having invested so much time and resources in the young Italian. But unless he can significantly up his game next year, he would be the driver most likely to make way for Verstappen.

Verstappen’s other options

Verstappen won’t be short of offers if he decides to quit Red Bull. Aston Martin is the other obvious option. That could be an attractive move for several reasons.

Money seems to be no option to billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll, who has made numerous high-profile technical hires, including that of Adrian Newey, the design guru who played such a crucial role in Verstappen’s Red Bull success.

In another Red Bull link, Aston will switch from Mercedes to Honda engines from next year. Verstappen will be keeping a close eye on events at Aston’s Silverstone HQ.