Mercedes have decided who is ‘secondary’ out of Max Verstappen and George Russell for 2026 F1 seat

Max Verstappen and George Russell’s futures in Formula 1 are uncertain come 2026. Both drivers find themselves in complex situations at Red Bull and Mercedes.

Russell is out of contract in 2025, as is teammate Kimi Antonelli. The Brit has taken on a lead role at Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton’s exit to Ferrari.

After five races, the 27-year-old is enjoying his best start at the Silver Arrows. Achieving three podiums, he is sat fourth in the standings and is a possible outsider for the championship, sitting 26 points behind Oscar Piastri.

Given his form in 2025, it is quite bizarre that Mercedes have not spoken to Russell about his future yet. While Toto Wolff is seemingly happy with his driver pairing, he will certainly be monitoring Verstappen’s situation at Red Bull.

The Dutchman is being linked with a possible exit from the Milton Keynes-based outfit amid his frustrations with the RB21. Verstappen has performance clauses in his contract that will allow him to leave the team before his contract expires in 2028.

Mercedes held talks with Verstappen last season and are a strong candidate to sign the four-time champion alongside Aston Martin. The interest in the Dutchman has put Russell in a difficult position.

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George Russell is ‘secondary’ to Max Verstappen for Mercedes 2026 F1 seat

Ted Kravitz thinks Wolff would drop Russell for Verstappen and not ‘think twice’ about it. The Brit would be left scrambling to find a seat for 2026 – he could do a straight-swap with the Dutchman.

Red Bull have held ‘informal’ talks with Russell over a possible seat. Christian Horner previously stated that the team would keep an eye on his situation if they were to lose Verstappen.

Amid the uncertainty, Mercedes seem to have decided who is the preferred choice. According to journalist Scott Mitchell-Malm, Russell is ‘secondary’ to Verstappen for the seat.

“It’s a strange situation for Russell because his stock has never been higher as a Formula 1 driver, he’s never been performing so well,” he said via The Race.

“He’s relishing the role he has now as Mercedes’ undisputed number one lead driver, with Kimi Antonelli being there as the rookie and Lewis Hamilton having left.

“On track and in the team, probably things have never been better for George. But he’s out of contract and he’s not really in direct control of his future.

“And there are some suggestions that he’s, maybe nervous is unfair, but he’s aware that things could potentially play out out of his control.

“But he is secondary to Verstappen in this situation, at least as we understand it so far.”

READ MORE: Mercedes driver George Russell’s life outside F1 from net worth to height

Max Verstappen could take a sabbatical from Formula 1 in 2026

Of course, there is every chance that Verstappen and Russell could remain with their current teams, with the latter appearing to say that Mercedes is his preferred option. Meanwhile, the former’s situation is far more complex.

While the Silver Arrows are interested, the Dutchman has other attractive suitors. Aston Martin are preparing a £1bn contract for Verstappen as they look to bring him on board their exciting project in Silverstone.

There is even speculation that Verstappen could take a sabbatical from F1 in 2026. The 27-year-old is expecting his first child with Kelly Piquet and could take a year out from racing before deciding on his future in 2027.

If this were to happen, Ferrari could be an option for Verstappen. Hamilton could leave the Maranello outfit at the end of 2026, opening the door for the four-time champion.

However, Ferrari are ‘not pursuing’ Verstappen at the moment as they are happy with Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. The Dutchman has several options on the table, but where he will end up is anyone’s guess at this stage.