Mercedes call George Russell and Kimi Antonelli into emergency meeting as Max Verstappen future 'confirmed'

Mercedes have called both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli into an emergency meeting following the Belgian Grand Prix.

After a three week break, Formula One returned for a dramatic Belgian Grand Prix that saw McLaren star Oscar Piastri extend his championship lead with a win over teammate Lando Norris.

Despite impressing earlier in the season, the Belgian Grand Prix ended as yet another disaster for Mercedes, with both of their drivers underperforming at the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps.

After starting the race in sixth, Russell managed to finish the race one place higher while rookie teammate finished down in 16th after exiting qualifying in the first session.

With performances continuing to disappoint, it has been reported that Mercedes have called both drivers into an emergency meeting at the team's headquarters.

Mercedes failed to impress at the Belgian Grand Prix. (Image: Getty)

According to a report from The Race, both Russell and Antonelli were called to Mercedes' Brackley factory on Monday morning to try and figure out exactly what is wrong with their W16 F1 car.

It is believed that the key issues revolved around rear instability on corner entry, but they hope the meeting will allow them to uncover just how severe the issues are at Mercedes.

The meeting coms after Russell himself admitted that he felt that the team have been underperforming recently, particularly at Spa where conditions should have favoured them.

Speaking post-race, he said: "It was very underwhelming in terms of the performance. We need to really understand what is going on and why we've taken such a step backwards.

"These conditions, you would argue, are ideal for us and our car. And once again, it's been the worst performance of the season.

"So we're going to have a big sit down this week and try to figure it out."

Mercedes' lacklustre performances comes amid links with four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen. (Image: Getty)

Max Verstappen's future finally decided amid links with Mercedes

With recent reports suggesting that reigning F1 champion Verstappen has been considering making a spectacular move to Mercedes next season, it's almost certain that the Red Bull star will have noticed their recent drop off in performance.

However, according to a new report from Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Verstappen has already made his mind up regarding his future, as he has decided that he will stay to stay with Red Bull for the 2026 season.

It claims: "For those who still had doubts: Max Verstappen will definitely drive for Red Bull Racing in 2026. That's a logical conclusion after the Belgian Grand Prix.

"The performance clause in his contract is no longer in effect this season, now that the four-time world champion will definitely be in the top three during the summer break."

With that in mind, it is also expected that Mercedes, who are yet to confirm their 2026 lineup, will announced new deals for Russell and Antonelli in the coming weeks.

But, the report also claims that a move in 2027, when it is more clear which teams are performing best under the new regulations, is not off the cards.