Max Verstappen has been even more heavily linked with a move from Red Bull to F1 rivals Mercedes since long-serving team boss Christian Horner was replaced by Laurent Mekies

Max Verstappen’s criteria to activate the release clause in his Red Bull contract can be triggered after the Hungarian Grand Prix, but it ironically relies on George Russell

A new Red Bull era begins under Mekies at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix. He was appointed after 18 months at Racing Bulls. He worked at Ferrari for five years, as deputy team principal and racing director, and at the F.I.A., which governs Formula 1, for four years, initially as safety director and then deputy race director.

All speculation about Max Verstappen's move to Mercedes may well be nonsense, according to Juan Pablo Montoya. The former F1 driver seriously considers that George Russell has already signed a new contract with the German team.

Red Bull then went a step further with George Russell and Mercedes. After the Brit beat Verstappen to the top step of the podium at the Canadian Grand Prix, Christian Horner headed a protest focused on his behaviour behind the safety car. This was eventually thrown out by the FIA.

Mercedes is yet to name its 2026 F1 drivers. With interest from Red Bull's Max Verstappen, Luke Smith argues he should join George Russell

If Max Verstappen were to make the switch to Mercedes, who would be his replacement? George Russell seems like the most obvious candidate, but is it the best option for both parties? At first glance,