George Russell 2026 contract rumour is now ‘gaining traction’ amid Max Verstappen’s links to Mercedes

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George Russell has finally got his new Mercedes contract amid rumours linking Max Verstappen to the Silver Arrows, but he may not be as secure as it seems.

Mercedes confirmed on Wednesday that Russell and teammate Kimi Antonelli have signed new contracts. The team did not specify how long said deals ran until, besides saying that the pair would race in the 2026 season.

Negotiations were delayed as Mercedes were pursuing a deal for Verstappen, as he expressed discontent over Red Bull’s operation in the first half of 2025. Toto Wolff is a known admirer of the Dutchman and is keen to get him in his car.

However, after weeks of speculation, Verstappen told Red Bull ‘I’m staying’ as he confirmed his commitment to the team for at least 2026 in July. This left Mercedes going back to their current drivers, with Russell and Antonelli being retained for next season.

Russell felt insulted by Wolff’s interest in Verstappen, given their public feud at the end of last season and the fact that he would have had to make way if his rival joined Mercedes. Even after signing a deal, rumours suggest that it is still possible.

Rumour that George Russell has an exit clause in his Mercedes contract is ‘gaining traction’ amid Max Verstappen links

While Mercedes have not publicly disclosed the length of the Brit’s contract, it is understood that Russell has signed a multi-year deal. ‘Many in the paddock are convinced’ that it is a two-year agreement, as per a report from Motorsport Italia.

Russell wanted ‘assurances’ that Verstappen would not replace him after 2026 and was pushing for a long-term agreement. The ‘multi-year’ deal suggests he has that security, but Mercedes’ unwillingness to confirm the exact details has created doubt.

Many are wondering if the 27-year-old is ‘locked in’ for two years at Mercedes, taking him to 2027, or if there is an exit clause in his contract that can be activated in 2026. It is the ‘latter hypothesis that’s gaining traction’ amid the team’s interest in Verstappen.

Mercedes are no strangers to such deals. Lewis Hamilton signed a one-plus-one extension back in 2023, which allowed him to activate an exit clause and join Ferrari in 2025.

Rob Smedley warned Russell that the Brackley outfit could do the same to him as Hamilton if he meant they could sign Verstappen. These rumours suggest that Mercedes have done exactly that.

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Where could George Russell go if Max Verstappen replacing him at Mercedes?

Verstappen will not leave Red Bull until 2027 at the earliest, with the Dutchman having exit clauses in his contract next season. He has control over the F1 driver market, as almost every team will be flocking to sign him if he becomes available.

Mercedes have made it no secret that they want to sign the four-time champion, and Russell’s exit clause, if there is one, would put him most at risk of losing his seat. Given his increased stock in 2025, he would not be shy of options.

Russell was linked to Aston Martin amid his negotiations with Mercedes. The Silverstone squad are preparing to replace Fernando Alonso, who could retire at the end of 2026.

Hamilton could also leave Ferrari in 2026 if he decides not to extend his contract by another year. A move to Maranello could be plausible for Russell, while Red Bull would also have a seat available.