Verstappen engages in discussions with Red Bull amidst new rumors regarding Mercedes.

      Max Verstappen has sparked new speculation regarding his future after being seen in Salzburg for high-level discussions with Red Bull's top executives. In the days following Monaco, the four-time world champion reportedly met with Red Bull heir Mark Mateschitz, sports chief Oliver Mintzlaff, co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya, and his manager Raymond Vermeulen before heading to Barcelona.

      The timing is noteworthy. While Verstappen is under contract until the end of 2028, ongoing rumors continue to connect him with Mercedes as Red Bull faces a challenging start to the 2026 season. Several factors complicate the situation, including the impending move of longtime race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to McLaren and uncertainty regarding the future of Mercedes driver George Russell.

      Veteran Swiss journalist Roger Benoit suggests that crucial decisions are on the horizon. "Red Bull must seriously contemplate the future of the 71-time Grand Prix winner. Even though he has a contract until the end of 2028, he has naturally secured various exit clauses and options," he stated. Benoit asserts that Verstappen could exercise an option related to 2027 before the summer break, although the final deadline for a commitment to Red Bull may not be until October. "Does he still envision a fifth title with them?" he queried.

      The rumors surrounding Mercedes persist. "The door at Mercedes is always open," Benoit added. "One thing is clear - if Verstappen wishes to drive for the Silver Arrows, then Russell must go. Yes, that’s the harsh reality of the business."

      Former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos believes recent events at Mercedes heighten the intrigue. "I also heard a statement from Toto, where he mentioned that his three favorite drivers were on the podium, or at least near the front in qualifying," he said on the Pit Talk podcast, referencing Max, Lewis Hamilton, and Kimi. "That’s certainly not a reassuring sign for George."

      Doornbos also highlighted Russell's contract situation. "Mercedes took a long time to renew George’s contract because they were conversing with Max Verstappen in the meantime," he claimed. "George was left waiting. You remember his concerns about 'Where is my contract?'"

      Ultimately, he got only a one-year deal with performance clauses. Russell's position has come under renewed scrutiny after trailing more than 60 points behind teammate Kimi Antonelli in the championship. "Honestly, I doubt he’s meeting those clauses right now," Doornbos noted. "If you’re over 60 points behind your teammate after six races, that’s not a favorable statistic."

      "It seems evident that Andrea Kimi Antonelli is not going anywhere," he added. Doornbos also shared how Mercedes is working to keep the 19-year-old grounded despite his rapid ascent. "Did you know he recently moved out on his own?" he said. "It’s the first time he hasn’t lived with his parents. He’s handling the housework himself now and doesn’t even have a cleaning lady yet."

      "Although he likely earned $10 million (in Monaco) from his victory and bonuses, he remains remarkably humble. That, in my view, is paramount for Toto Wolff and his family - to keep him grounded."