There is great concern that Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull at the end of the year. Not anyone said that, but Bullen-Eminence Helmut Marko on the edge of the Bahrain-GP. But what does Red Bull do, should the driver gau enter? According to a report, the team has already contacted Mercedes-Ace George Russell.
As “The Race” reports, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner and Silberpfeil-Pilot George Russell had held “informal discussions” in the past few weeks. The motorsport portal refers to internal sources without becoming more specific.
“The two sides know their respective situation, even if there is still no concrete negotiations on a cockpit,” the report says.
Background 1: Russell’s contract at Mercedes expires at the end of the year. According to several media reports, after its strong start to the 2025 season, the Brit may have hopes for a new working paper at the German-British factory team.
Nevertheless: Should Max Verstappen really say goodbye to Red Bull and Mercedes do not want to want alphaier pairing Russell/, Russell would be on the market and for bulls would be a logian candidate.
Formula 1: When does Vappens clause become effective?
Background 2: Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, but it is an open secret that he can leave the team prematurely thanks to performance -related clauses. In the paddock it is speculated that such a clause becomes effective if Verstappen is not in the first two in the driver’s World Cup in the driver’s World Cup.
Means: Mercedes and team boss Toto Wolff could observe the situation around the world champion until summer and then initiate the first steps. It is quite possible that until then he will not be negotiated with Russell about a new contract.
Verstappen is currently only third in the driver ranking behind the McLaren pilots Oscar Piatri and Lando Norris. If Red Bull does not get the curve with the announced upgrades, the Dutch could look around for a new team.
Mercedes team boss Wolff is considered a great admirer of dusting, in the past no secret of throwing his hat into the ring should arise.
In addition to Mercedes, Aston Martin is a hot option for Verstappen. The British team of billionaire Lawrence Stroll has recently invested a lot to become World Cup capable, including design guru and ex-stipple designer Adrian Newey on board.
Finally, it was also speculated that Verstappen could insert a “sabbatical” in 2026 and probe who is best performed under the new engine rules and is the desired team.