Mercedes Snubs Max Verstappen, Opts for George Russell in Shocking Move
In a jaw-dropping turn of events, Mercedes has decided to deal Max Verstappen a massive blow by shifting their focus to George Russell in the midst of the Red Bull fallout drama. The lucrative contract offered to Russell amounts to a staggering $30 million or £22.5 million per year, leaving Verstappen in the dust.
Throughout the 2024 Formula 1 season, Toto Wolff flirted with the idea of poaching the four-time world champion from Red Bull to potentially replace Lewis Hamilton. However, Verstappen’s reaffirmed commitment to Red Bull led to Mercedes cooling off their interest, signaling a possible end to any pursuit of the Dutchman.
Reports indicate that Wolff is content with the current partnership between Mercedes’ rising star, Kimi Antonelli, and Russell. The Italian rookie has impressed with his speed and adaptability to Formula 1, while Russell has showcased consistency by outqualifying McLarens and clinching podium finishes.
As Mercedes solidifies their lineup, Verstappen faces a dwindling number of options amid his reported fallout with Red Bull, exacerbated by the team’s recent struggles on the track. A disappointing performance at the F1 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix saw the reigning champion lagging behind, highlighting the challenges posed by the underperforming RB21.
With Mercedes seemingly committing to Russell and Antonelli until at least 2028, Verstappen’s exit strategy from Red Bull appears to be narrowing. The Dutch driver reportedly has a clause in his contract that allows him to explore other opportunities if he falls out of the top three in the driver standings, but the closing doors at Mercedes could limit his choices.
While Mercedes has opted for Russell, speculation swirls around Verstappen potentially moving to Aston Martin, which is set to adopt a Honda power unit in 2026 under the guidance of renowned designer Adrian Newey. The father-to-be could be enticed by a hefty contract worth a staggering billion pounds ($1.3 billion) to join Lawrence Stroll’s ambitious project near the Silverstone circuit.
As the dust settles on Mercedes’ surprising move, the Formula 1 landscape braces for further upheaval as drivers and teams jockey for position in the high-stakes world of motorsport.
