Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has addressed the feasibility of a potential deal with Mercedes that could see George Russell and Max Verstappen swap teams for the Formula 1 2026 season.
Verstappen has been heavily linked with a move to Mercedes in 2026 and, ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday, Horner confirmed the four-time world champion does have a ‘performance mechanism’ included in his contract – allowing him to leave if Red Bull’s season ends in failure.
With questions over Verstappen’s future, speculation has arisen that Russell could become a target for Red Bull – essentially allowing the drivers to swap places between Red Bull and Mercedes. While that looks unlikely, it’s certainly not impossible.
Horner hinted at his surprise that Russell was still available to poach, but revealed that he had not yet opened talks with the 27-year-old’s camp: “It’s remarkable that George is still on the market,” he told the written media, including Total Motorsport, at Silverstone.
“We haven’t engaged in any in any discussion with George, so he’s obviously pretty confident that he’s going to get to retain where he is.
“But we’ve got strength and depth within our team. You can see the Racing Bulls drivers… you can see [Arvid] Linblad that we’re running today.”
More from the Singapore GP
Catch up with Total Motorsport's latest Singapore GP coverage, including Max Verstappen's victory at Marina Bay, Ferrari's costly strategy gamble, the full race classification, and the updated 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' and Constructors' Championship standings.
Horner points the finger at Russell
In dealing with yet more speculation about Verstappen’s future, Horner instead accused Russell of stirring the pot and trying to negotiate a deal for himself in the process: “I think actually probably George triggered all this speculation, trying to leverage his own situation and force [Mercedes to provide] clarity,” Horner said.
“You can understand because he’s driven a very good season as well this year. But, inevitably, there will always be speculation about it. I think the most important thing is the clarity that exists between Max and the team, and that’s very clear.”
Verstappen also spoke out in response to Russell, insisting he is unbothered by his rival’s comments and dismissed suggestions he could take a one-year sabbatical from motor racing.
“I can’t do anything about all the stories that are written up,” Verstappen told the Daily Mail. “I also don’t pay attention to it. It has never crossed my mind to take a year out. Driving anywhere else or with anyone else is not even on my mind. This scenario does not exist in my head.”
“We [he and Russell] get on all right. We have our moments on the track but it’s all good. We speak. We just leave that behind, at least from my side. You just continue racing. I’m not someone who holds a grudge.”
