Toto Wolff preparing new clause in George Russell’s 2026 Mercedes contract amid Max Verstappen interest

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Mercedes are planning to introduce a new clause in George Russell’s contract that could pave the way for Max Verstappen to join the team in 2027.

F1 Oversteers understands that George Russell is set to sign a one-year contract with Mercedes, although even a multi-year deal will contain a 2027 exit clause.

Both Russell and his rookie teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli are out of contract at the end of the season.

Team principal Toto Wolff has allowed both of his drivers to reach the final months of their current deals, although he’s publicly assured Mercedes fans that both drivers will be with the team in 2026.

However, Mercedes were seriously interested in signing Max Verstappen when it looked like the four-time world champion would potentially be considering his future at Red Bull.

Max Verstappen could once be available on the driver market in 2026, depending on how well Red Bull adapt to the sport’s new regulations.

This has played a key role in Mercedes’ negotiations with Russell, and despite his brilliant 2025 campaign, that might not guarantee him a long-term future with the Silver Arrows.

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Mercedes set to include 2027 break clause in George Russell’s contract amid Max Verstappen interest

F1 Oversteer sources have been told that Mercedes are making sure they’re in a prime position to sign Verstappen when he becomes available from Red Bull.

The Race have reported that Verstappen can trigger an exit clause in his contract next season if he’s outside the top two in the drivers’ championship at the summer break in 2026.

It means that unless Red Bull build a seriously competitive car, Verstappen could be on the market.

Therefore, Mercedes are expected to offer a one-year deal to Russell to make room for Verstappen, or alternatively, any multi-year agreement will contain a break clause that allows Wolff to move Russell on to make way for Verstappen.

It’s believed that Russell isn’t angry about the situation, but has been left frustrated by events that have taken place in the media this year.

Verstappen has been constantly linked with Mercedes publicly, something Wolff has made no attempts to play down, as he’s keen for the Dutchman to know how much he wants him to join his team.

The expectation is that Antonelli is in a slightly different position to Russell, and Wolff’s admiration for the Italian teenager should mean he’s safe from being replaced by Verstappen.

However, Mercedes have not been blown away with Antonelli like they expected to be thus far, and even if the pressure is off him this season, he’s expected to take a large step forward in 2026.

On top of this, Mercedes are still concerned that even with all of this preparation, they might not be Verstappen’s automatic choice.

Like when Lewis Hamilton joined newcomers Mercedes when he decided to leave McLaren, Wolff is concerned that Verstappen might look at other options on the grid if they’re not the leading challengers.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Mercedes F1 Team from team principal to lineage

Max Verstappen wants ‘fantastic’ 2026 Formula 1 title fight with Fernando Alonso

Unless something remarkable happens, Verstappen’s run of drivers’ championship victories will come to an end this season.

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris would need to suffer a succession of technical failures to bring the Dutchman back into contention, but everything could change in 2026.

Verstappen is hoping Fernando Alonso will be in title contention next year, which would mean Red Bull and Aston Martin have nailed the upcoming regulation changes.

That would be a disaster for Mercedes, as it might mean Verstappen’s contract clause doesn’t come into play, and rivals Aston Martin could move ahead of them in their pursuit of the 27-year-old.

Mercedes are doing everything they can to make room for Verstappen in 2027, but where that leaves Russell and which team he could join next if a move does happen is unknown.