Mercedes talking to Verstappen for 2026 – Russell

Reports have emerged suggesting that Mercedes is in talks with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for a potential move to the team in 2026. The German squad is looking for a long-term successor to Lewis Hamilton, who is rumored to retire after the 2025 season.

Verstappen, who has been a standout performer in recent years, is said to be open to the idea of joining Mercedes and potentially partnering with current Mercedes driver George Russell. Russell, who is highly rated by the Mercedes team, is seen as a future world champion in the making.

The prospect of Verstappen and Russell teaming up at Mercedes has sparked excitement among fans and experts alike. The duo could form one of the strongest driver pairings on the grid, with both drivers known for their speed and racecraft.

However, negotiations between Mercedes and Verstappen are said to be at an early stage, with both parties keen to focus on the current season before finalizing any deals. Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull runs until the end of 2025, so any potential move would have to wait until then.

For now, fans can only speculate on what the future holds for Mercedes and its driver lineup. With Verstappen and Russell potentially at the helm, the team could be set for further success in the years to come.

It remains to be seen how the negotiations between Mercedes and Verstappen will pan out, but one thing is for sure – the Formula 1 world will be watching closely as the story unfolds.