Formula 1 Rumor: Verstappen to replace Russell at Mercedes in 2027
It was the story that dominated paddock whispers throughout 2025. AutoRacing1.com published many articles on Mercedes boss Toto Wolff actively courting Max Verstappen (pictured with Toto Wolff), with the Austrian executive openly admitting he would “wait forever” for the four-time world champion if the stars aligned.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
Wolff’s persistence was no secret — private dinners, Sardinia yacht sightings, and late-night calls amid Red Bull’s internal chaos. Verstappen stayed put for 2026, but the seeds were planted.
Fast-forward to March 2026, and the plot twist no one saw coming is already unfolding on track… and off it.
Verstappen is now officially behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo, racing under the banner of Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing. The multi-year partnership — complete with Red Bull livery on a silver arrow GT3 machine — was blessed personally by Wolff and Mercedes-AMG. Dates for the Nürburgring 24 Hours were even shifted to accommodate Max’s schedule. Wolff couldn’t hide his delight: “Max driving a Mercedes is something we enjoy.” The message was clear — bridges aren’t just built; they’re being driven across at 200 mph.
Meanwhile, George Russell’s future at Mercedes is looking more fragile than ever.
When Mercedes finally confirmed its 2026 lineup last October, Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli were locked in for next season. What wasn’t publicly detailed at the time? The contracts were anything but equal.
Russell signed a 1+1 deal: guaranteed for 2026, with an automatic extension to 2027 only if he hits specific performance targets (widely understood to involve outperforming his teammate or delivering consistent podiums/wins). Reports peg his new salary at around $40 million per year—big money, but with big strings attached. Russell himself later revealed the clause publicly: “If I’m performing next year… we have a specific clause that if I reach a certain target, we will automatically renew for 2027.”
Antonelli? He’s reportedly tied down until 2029.
That disparity, highlighted in yesterday’s bombshell by Swiss outlet Blick, has suddenly thrust Russell’s seat into the spotlight. With Red Bull’s 2026 car proving a “horror show” (Wolff’s own words after watching Max qualify poorly and retire early in China), Verstappen’s long-term future in Milton Keynes is under the microscope. Performance clauses in Max’s own Red Bull deal are already being whispered about again.
Picture this scenario playing out in 2026:
Russell starts the year strongly—he already has a win under his belt early in the season—but the pressure mounts as the Silver Arrows fight for titles against McLaren and a resurgent Ferrari. Antonelli, the prodigy locked in long-term, keeps improving. If Russell misses those performance triggers… the door swings wide open.
Enter Verstappen.
Wolff wouldn’t even need to “court” him anymore. The GT3 program has already created the perfect soft landing and relationship. Imagine the Dutchman sliding into the Mercedes garage in 2027 alongside the now-seasoned Antonelli. A dream pairing that turns Mercedes into an unstoppable force under the new regulations era.
Russell has always said he wants to win with Mercedes. He turned down bigger-money offers elsewhere to stay loyal. But loyalty in Formula 1 is measured in tenths of a second—and contract clauses.
Toto Wolff has played the long game masterfully. Last year’s flirting wasn’t wasted time; it was investment. The GT3 deal wasn’t just a fun side project—it was the ultimate insurance policy.
Max Verstappen in silver? It was always the plan B that suddenly looks like Plan A.
George Russell still holds his destiny in his own hands for now. But with Antonelli bulletproof until 2029 and Max already wearing Mercedes colors on the weekends he’s not in an F1 car, the clock is ticking louder than ever.
AutoRacing1.com will keep you updated — because if 2025 taught us anything, if Toto wants Max… he’ll probably find a way.