Max Verstappen’s honest update on his relationship with George Russell amid Mercedes rumours

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Max Verstappen is facing a multitude of questions about his future in Formula 1 as Red Bull are under pressure to keep their star driver.

Mercedes are pursuing Verstappen as Toto Wolff hopes to attract him to his project in Brackley. The Silver Arrows are being tipped to have the fastest engine under the new technical regulations.

Meanwhile, there are doubts at Red Bull about whether their new power unit will be competitive in 2026. Verstappen’s camp doesn’t think he can make a ‘big step’ with the team next season, thus sparking rumours that he could be on the move.

Verstappen has a get-out clause in his Red Bull contract, which runs until 2028, that he can activate in the next few weeks. Mercedes are yet to tie down George Russell or Kimi Antonelli to new deals, with both being out of contract in 2025.

Russell believes he would partner with Verstappen at Mercedes, rather than Antonelli. While that would be an incredibly strong driver line-up, there are some concerns about that potential pairing.

Max Verstappen says his relationship with George Russell is ‘all good’

The Red Bull and Mercedes drivers have not seen eye-to-eye on and off the track in recent months. The pair have had numerous falling outs, leading to speculation about an ongoing feud between them.

Verstappen had a heated exchange with Russell at last year’s Qatar GP, as the former was penalised for impeding the latter, with the Dutchman saying his rival had deliberately gone to the stewards. The drama continued into Abu Dhabi, as the Brit refused to sit near Verstappen at the drivers’ dinner.

The feud resurfaced at the Spanish GP in 2025 as Verstappen drove into Russell after being told to hand the position back for overtaking off the circuit. Mercedes staff have predicted ‘mayhem’ if Verstappen joins Mercedes, due to his conflict with Russell.

But speaking via The Mail, the four-time champion insists that his relationship with Russell is ‘all good’. The pair may have their disagreements, but he says that he does not hold a ‘grudge’ against his rival.

“We get on all right,” he said. “We have our moments on the track but it’s all good. We speak. We just leave that behind, at least from my side. You just continue racing. I’m not someone who holds a grudge.’

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

Max Verstappen has insisted he is staying at Red Bull

Speculation has been rife about when the Dutchman could make a move to Mercedes. Verstappen is not expected to leave until 2027, given he does not know where the teams will be come next season and the new regulations.

Wolff is ‘open to the idea’ of Verstappen signing in 2028 and keeping Russell and Antonelli on board. He is happy with his current line-up, but would surely not deny himself the chance to add the 27-year-old to his ranks sooner.

F1 fans think Wolff sent a ‘sublime message’ to Verstappen with Mercedes’ livery for the British Grand Prix. The W16 will sport orange stars at Silverstone, with fans drawing a connection to Verstappen’s ‘orange army’.

But amid the speculation, the Dutchman has stressed that he will end his career with the Milton Keynes outfit. Stefano Domenicali is ‘pretty sure’ Verstappen will stay at Red Bull, but his talks with Mercedes will continue to dominate the headlines around the paddock.