Kimi Antonelli won’t like what George Russell just said about Max Verstappen being linked to Mercedes for 2026

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen and Mercedes driver George Russell in a press conference, inset, Kimi Antonelli

The rumours surrounding Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull Racing won’t go away.

After finishing fourth at the Monaco Grand Prix, Max Verstappen is now 25 points behind Oscar Piastri in the drivers’ championship.

It’s the fourth time this season Verstappen has failed to finish on the podium, while Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has already given up on the constructors’ title.

For context, Verstappen recorded four non-podium finishes last year at the Hungarian Grand Prix, demonstrating how far Red Bull have fallen this season.

Verstappen’s contract runs until the end of 2028, but that hasn’t stopped people from speculating about his Formula 1 future.

Position
Drivers’ Championship
Points

1

Oscar Piastri

161

2

Lando Norris

158

3

Max Verstappen

136

4

George Russell

99

5

Charles Leclerc

79

6

Lewis Hamilton

63

7

Andrea Kimi Antonelli

48

8

Alexander Albon

42

9

Esteban Ocon

20

10

Isack Hadjar

15

Mercedes have been linked with Verstappen for years after Toto Wolff missed out on signing the Dutchman before he joined Red Bull.

With both George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli out of contract at the end of the year, it opens up the possibility of Verstappen making the switch if he suddenly decides he wants to quit Red Bull.