Source: REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
[Saba Sports News] Rumors that Max Verstappen will move to Mercedes in 2026 continue to spread. In response, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner publicly addressed the issue during the British Grand Prix, clearly expressing the team’s strong desire for Verstappen to remain with the team and emphasizing that the relationship with him is currently solid. Although Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull does include a “performance-based exit clause,” he is currently in third place in the standings, barely ahead of the next driver, which meets the conditions for the contract to continue. Regarding media reports claiming that Verstappen is “close to reaching an agreement” with Mercedes, Horner stated that no discussions have ever taken place regarding a seat swap with George Russell or anyone else. Horner pointed out that most of the current rumors are initiated by Russell’s team, aiming to secure a favorable position for Russell. Although Red Bull previously publicly stated that Russell was a “player to watch,” Horner emphasized that the team currently has a strong driver lineup, including young talents such as Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar, and Arvid Lindblad, and there is no need to bring in new drivers.