F1 fans are convinced they've worked out Max Verstappen's next move as tensions at Red Bull continue to grow.
Verstappen's future has been a major topic of conversation recently in F1 despite the Dutchman having a long-term contract at Red Bull Racing.
The world champion has already publicly disagreed with the team's decision to demote Liam Lawson by liking an Instagram post accusing the team of 'bullying' Lawson.
With 2026 bringing entirely new regulations, the pecking order is expected to be shaken up massively and Red Bull must provide a competitive car if they are to keep their star man.
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If reports are to be believed, it is expected that Mercedes may have the upper hand in 2026 which has led fans to theorise Verstappen could step in to replace George Russell from next season.
One fan wrote on X: "If you don’t think Mercedes would drop George Russell for Max Verstappen, you’re in for a major shock if the Verstappen/RB relationship ends after this season.
"A Verstappen/Antonelli team is the stuff of Toto Wolff’s dreams — and it would’ve been a decade in the making."
Russell is widely regarded as one of F1's top drivers, however, his contract at Mercedes is set to expire at the end of the 2025 season leaving his seat vulnerable.
Another fan wrote: "We are talking about Max Verstappen, aren’t we? Doesn’t matter how good Russel is it’s Max Verstappen."
Toto Wolff made it very clear he wanted Verstappen to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for this season, however, his failed attempt to sign the Dutchman forced his hand to fast-track Antonelli into the seat.
However, not all fans were in agreement with Russell's strong recent form believed to be enough to convince Wolff to tie him down at the German team.
One fan replied: "I actually don't think they would. George Russell is what people think Norris is. Every team on the grid bar Ferrari would want to sign him."
Wolff himself has also come out to heap praise on Russell following the Chinese Grand Prix, which saw him secure back-to-back podiums to start the season.
“George is a warrior in the car and outside of the car," he began.
“Little was said of George, and I've always said that that’s not right, because he’s one of the top drivers out there.
"If you want me to name three that I consider to be the top, he’s absolutely among those three, if not top two. And maybe on his way to top one," he added.
Topics: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Mercedes, George Russell, Formula 1
Tom Jenkins