Red Bull make Max Verstappen contract adjustment that stops 2027 Mercedes move

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Max Verstappen is reportedly set to stay at Red Bull for 2027, with Mercedes retaining their current line-up of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

Up to this point, Verstappen has refused to commit to Red Bull for next year. While he’s technically under contract until the end of 2028, that deal is known to include an exit clause.

If the Dutchman is outside the top two in the standings at the start of the summer break, he’s able to leave. Given that he’s currently seventh, 60 points behind Lewis Hamilton, this seems virtually certain.

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George Russell’s Mercedes extension may be down to Max Verstappen developments

Corriere della Sera are now reporting that Mercedes have triggered an extension option in George Russell’s contract, with the driver himself also giving his agreement. When they re-signed Russell last year, they only guaranteed him a seat for 2026.

The timing is somewhat surprising given Russell’s underwhelming form in the first seven races and the potential availability of Verstappen, but recent developments at Red Bull may explain it.

The Italian outlet report that the Milton Keynes outfit have made a significant adjustment to his contract, and given him much-needed reassurances about the faltering project. Red Bull are introducing a major upgrade in Austria this weekend aimed at saving weight.

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There have been rumblings that Red Bull could buy out Verstappen’s exit clause for an eight-figure fee, but it’s unclear if this is the adjustment in question.

The uncertainty around Verstappen may have held up the driver market up to this point. Had he moved, it would naturally have triggered a major domino effect.

Provided the impressive Isack Hadjar stays, Red Bull’s line-up for 2027 will now be set, which may have ramifications for the sister team. It was claimed this week that Nikola Tsolov will join Racing Bulls next year, so the risk to Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson has now increased.

The line-ups at the top four teams will probably remain the same from here. Oscar Piastri was linked with Red Bull in the event that Verstappen left, but now almost all the movement will take place in the midfield.