George Russell told he ‘has to’ do one thing in ‘worst-case scenario’ after Toto Wolff confirmed Max Verstappen talks

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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has confirmed that his F1 outfit are in talks with Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, as George Russell still wants to sign a new contract.

The Brackley bunch last handed Russell new terms back in August 2023, which locked him in through the 2025 F1 season. Both Mercedes seats are also up for grabs, as rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli only signed a one-year deal to replace Lewis Hamilton after he joined Ferrari.

Rumours are now rife that Verstappen could quit Red Bull and move to Mercedes as early as for 2026. Wolff has always regretted that the Silver Arrows missed out to Red Bull on signing Verstappen in his youth, thus is loath to let a chance to sign the Dutchman pass the team by.

A lot of the talk at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix has even been about the possibility of the four-time reigning champion moving from Milton Keynes for 2026. Russell revealed that Mercedes are in ‘ongoing’ talks with Verstappen ahead of the Red Bull Ring meeting, as well.

Timo Glock feels George Russell ‘has to’ look for a new team with Mercedes talking to Max Verstappen

Even Wolff told Sky Sports in Austria that Mercedes are actively engaged in ‘conversations’ with Verstappen ‘behind closed doors’. He also noted that they are ‘very transparent’ within the team about their plans and that they ‘clearly’ have to keep tabs on the F1 driver market.

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

So, Timo Glock has suggested that Russell should also explore the market to see what teams would be interested in signing the 27-year-old if Wolff were to convince Verstappen to break his contract with Red Bull. Russell has also really impressed the ex-Toyota F1 driver this term.

“He doesn’t make mistakes,” Glock told Sky Germany. “He’s there when it matters and takes advantage of his opportunities. He’s always gotten the most out of his package. What sets him apart is that he’s taken another step forward. Toto Wolff has also confirmed this.

“But it’s clear that Toto is leaving the door open, and Russell has to look left and right to see where he might end up in the worst-case scenario… Verstappen wants to have a car with which he can compete for the world championship in the future.

“There are new engine regulations next year. From what we hear, Mercedes are very well positioned in this regard, and a clear step ahead of everyone else. At Mercedes, they are very confident and self-assured about the new powertrain.”

George Russell could replace Max Verstappen after holding informal talks with Red Bull

Verstappen’s £47m a year Red Bull contract is set to run through the 2028 F1 season. Yet he can leave much sooner thanks to release clauses. An exit clause in Verstappen’s contract will activate after the Austrian GP, as well, as he is not in the top two of the F1 drivers’ standings.

Red Bull would need Verstappen to outscore McLaren’s Lando Norris by at least 22 points in Sunday’s Austrian GP to prevent his exit clause from activating. He also trails Oscar Piastri by 43 points in the championship after the first 10 of the 24 rounds that will be staged in 2025.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Russell, then, might learn very soon if his future is with Mercedes or they will have a chance to sign Verstappen likely to replace the Briton. The King’s Lynn native could even head in the opposite way, as Christian Horner has held informal talks with Russell about joining Red Bull.

The Milton Keynes natives would need an elite-tier replacement for the four-time champion were Verstappen to join Mercedes. Russell would be the best option in the market, with the 27-year-old a four-time Grand Prix winner, six-time polesitter and 20-time podium finisher.