F1 star's contract update provides new hope for Max Verstappen move

A new option for a Max Verstappen team swap appears to have opened up, after a driver admitted uncertainty over his future.

George Russell has become Mercedes' team leader this year after some impressive seasons alongside Lewis Hamilton, stepping into the role with some confidence.

Russell’s start to 2025 has been successful, but he is yet to sign an extension to his current deal, which expires heading into winter.

Speaking to Formel1.de, the 27-year-old revealed that a contract for next year was still uncertain, despite naming Mercedes as one of the ‘favourites’ for the title in 2026.

"No, it's not safe. Nothing is certain,” he said. “But if I stay with Mercedes, next year will be my fifth year with the team. Nobody knows when their time will come.

“You just have to make sure that you keep performing consistently, keep delivering. And what happens then - only time will tell."

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Will Mercedes opt for Russell or Verstappen?

Following Red Bull’s downturn in performance, four-time world champion Max Verstappen has been linked with a switch to Mercedes; and with Russell yet to sign a fresh deal with the team, there could still be an opening for the Dutchman.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was public in his pursuit of Verstappen after Hamilton’s exit from the team in 2024, but has also been vocal in his appraisal of Russell throughout 2025 and has given no reason for his driver to worry about his position at the team.

In the same interview, Russell opened up about his relationship with Wolff and revealed he saw his team principal every day over the winter, likening him to family.

“We rarely talk about work. We have a really close relationship,” he added. “Last year, for example, we were in the house together in Austria. I see... Toto and Susie are like family to me."

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