Toto Wolff<\/a> has long pursued an audacious move for Max Verstappen, burned by missing out back in 2014. Both he and Russell have publicly acknowledged that talks have taken place.<\/p>\n DRIVERTEAMFranco ColapintoAlpine*George RussellMercedesAndrea Kimi AntonelliMercedesLiam LawsonRacing BullsIsack HadjarRacing BullsYuki TsunodaRed BullDrivers out of contract at the end of the 2025 F1 season Verstappen\u2019s Red Bull contract<\/a> runs until the end of 2028. However, his deal contains exit clauses tied to his performance in the drivers\u2019 championship, where he currently sits third.<\/p>\n Mercedes now poised to announce George Russell and Kimi Antonelli extensions<\/p>\n According to Bild<\/a>, Wolff is ready to concede defeat in his Verstappen chase for now. The belief \u2018in the Formula 1 paddock\u2019 is that Mercedes will announce new contracts for Russell and Antonelli \u2018shortly\u2019.<\/p>\n Red Bull<\/a> will, in turn, confirm that Verstappen will be staying put. They are likely to relay this message through the media rather than official channels, given that the Dutchman is under contract anyway.<\/p>\n Russell<\/a> last signed a new contract in the summer of 2023, when he was Lewis Hamilton\u2019s teammate. He\u2019s been one of the standout drivers on the grid this year, winning in Canada, scoring five podiums and qualifying in the top five for 11 out of 12 races.<\/p>\n Antonelli\u2019s current deal may contain an option for an additional year or two. This would make sense given that he\u2019s an inexperienced driver, but one who\u2019s shown immense potential.<\/p>\n All eyes on one thing in Mercedes\u2019 George Russell \u2018announcement\u2019 amid Max Verstappen interest<\/p>\n In an interview before the Belgian Grand Prix, Wolff said his \u2018absolute priority\u2019 was to keep Russell and Antonelli<\/a>. He once again played down the chances of signing Verstappen.<\/p>\n This may have been an indication that plans for 2026 are now being finalised. Verstappen<\/a> will give Red Bull the chance to prove themselves under the new regulations.<\/p>\n Reports suggest that Verstappen\u2019s exit clauses will be more favourable<\/a> next year. If their first independent power unit doesn\u2019t deliver, Mercedes could have a much greater opportunity.<\/p>\n
*Franco Colapinto on a race-by-race contract<\/p>\n![\"George](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GettyImages-2226764571-1024x683.jpg\")
Photo by Jayce Illman\/Getty Images<\/p>\n