Red Bull 'open talks' with F1 race winner to replace Max Verstappen

Red Bull have 'opened talks' with a Formula 1 race winner to replace Max Verstappen, according to stunning reports.

Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, but his future has been the subject of intense scrutiny.

His deal reportedly contains a performance clause that could allow him to depart the team amid a difficult start to the 2025 F1 season.

Verstappen has only won one race this season, winning the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this month.

However, their continued struggles has led to reports linking the Dutch driver with a sensational move away from Red Bull.

Aston Martin, Mercedes and McLaren are all thought to be interested in making a move for the four-time F1 champion, not to mention a hugely lucrative contract to join a shock team.

If the 27-year-old leaves Red Bull, then the team would have a huge void to fill.

But it appears Red Bull are planning for a potential Verstappen departure as team principal Christian Horner has had 'some informal chats' with George Russell.

That's according to The Race, who claim talks have already taken place between the Red Bull chief and the Mercedes driver.

The report states: "Sources suggest that Russell and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner have had some informal chats over recent weeks, so are aware of each other's situations even if things have not advanced to full-on talks about a race deal.

"A Red Bull move to go for Russell if it knows it is going to lose its star driver could be especially intriguing if Verstappen then does not go for Mercedes - but instead chooses Aston Martin or a year on the sidelines."

Russell, 27, has yet to win a race this season but won the Las Vegas Grand Prix and the Austrian Grand Prix in the 2024 F1 championship.

George Russell has reportedly held talks with Red Bull. Image: Getty

Speaking ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Horner was quizzed about Verstappen's career with Red Bull.

Asked about the 'noise' surrounding his future, the 51-year-old replied: "I think noise is exactly the right word to describe it, there's been a lot of noise outside of the team.

"Inside of the team Max reaffirmed his commitment yesterday, we're focused on making the car go faster, Max is part of that and he's a committed part of team. The rest is all speculation and hearsay."