Martin Blandle believes that “something is rising” in the ongoing speculation that connects Max Burstappen and George Russell’s Mercedes seats.
A fresh bomb report from Sky Italy claims Verstappen is in “specific negotiations” with Mercedes, and already says yes to Totowolf’s proposal to join Silver Arrow.
Verstappen’s future has been the subject of intense debate and rumors for more than a year since Mercedes first began revealing its four-time world champion as a possible replacement for Lewis Hamilton.
Russell finished his contract at the end of the season and despite having an impressive start to 2025, he has yet to be awarded a new contract by Mercedes.
The delay to acquire Russell’s contract extension will simply add fuel to the rumors that link Verstappen to the Mercedes switch.
Expert Brundle, a joint cooperative for Sky Sports F1, believes Canadian Grand Prix Victor Russell is beginning to get “tension.”
“I think George is nervous! He’s gonna be around a bit,” Brandle told Sky Sports. “There is no smoke without fire.
“2026 is huge and the biggest change in Formula 1 for the chassis and power unit. I think Mercedes is there or there.
“Can Max get out of his contract? Something’s up…”
Toto Wolff outlines Mercedes timeline
Speaking to media including crash.net after the Austrian Grand Prix, Wolf said he hopes Mercedes’ 2026 driver lineup will be completed by the end of the summer break in August.
“We need to be respectful of that process, our organization, our drivers, all our stakeholders,” Wolf said. “You need to understand the path ahead.
“I don’t want to be sadistic about not making drivers wait or making decisions when they should have taken it, so I feel like we’re in a good space.
“We’re in June. Obviously there’s a lot of debate about it. I’m open it and transparent, and at certain stages, and in the next few months – in the UK (‘couples’, two until summer vacation.
Wolff acknowledged that consultations were held with the Verstappen representative, but emphasized that there was “least likely” for Dutch people joining Mercedes in 2026.