Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team currently sees no compelling reason to pursue Max Verstappen for a future driver slot. The team’s robust performance in the 2026 season, coupled with a stable and successful driver lineup, has altered their strategic outlook.
The Brackley-based squad has demonstrated significant strength during the current campaign, leading both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. Mercedes secured eight victories in the opening eleven races of the season.
Technical Director James Allison has indicated that Mercedes is achieving substantial aerodynamic gains. The team is reportedly finding approximately half a second of performance every two months in the wind tunnel.
This rapid development rate is attributed to the ‘immature’ nature of the new 2026 technical regulations. Mercedes prioritised a strong launch car and has since focused on reliability.
Team Principal Toto Wolff has expressed an expectation to retain George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for the 2027 season. Wolff emphasised the importance of stability for the team’s long-term development.
Kimi Antonelli, in his rookie season, leads the Drivers’ Championship by 59 points over George Russell. Antonelli has secured six wins, two second-place finishes, and two third-place finishes in the first eleven races.
George Russell’s 2026 contract included a ‘one-plus-one’ clause, allowing for automatic renewal for 2027 if performance targets are met. Russell has achieved two wins and three second-place finishes this season.
Despite Antonelli’s championship lead, Russell holds a slightly better average finishing position of 3.8 compared to Antonelli’s 4.09. This is due to Antonelli’s classified technical failures.
Former Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner commented on the situation, suggesting Mercedes has already identified ‘the next Max Verstappen’ in Antonelli. This further diminishes the need for the Dutchman.
Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull Racing remains a subject of discussion, with an exit clause in his contract for 2027. This clause could be triggered if he is not within the top two or three in the Drivers’ Championship by the summer break.
Verstappen is currently seventh in the standings and has not secured a race victory in 2026. Red Bull has reportedly offered him a new contract until 2029, aiming to remove the existing release clause.
Verstappen’s priority is a championship-winning car, and he may prefer a one-year extension to maintain flexibility. Steiner believes Red Bull still holds an advantage in retaining him.
