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Laurent Mekies Takes Charge at Red Bull; Mercedes Confirms 2026 Lineup

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff rules out a move for Max Verstappen, prioritizing George Russell alongside rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli for 2026.

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Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing talk on the fan forums stage prior to final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 28, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria.

Overview

  • Red Bull begins its Spa sprint weekend under new principal Laurent Mekies after shareholders removed Christian Horner earlier this month.
  • Max Verstappen, contracted through 2028 with performance-based exit clauses, says Horner’s sacking will not change his plans and praises Mekies’ technical focus.
  • Toto Wolff confirms George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli as Mercedes’ 2026 drivers, dismissing any immediate recruitment of Verstappen.
  • George Russell’s contract runs through 2025 and remains unsigned, but he says his strong 2024 form and Canadian Grand Prix victory make him confident despite stalled extension talks.
  • Verstappen’s midseason exit clause, which could have been activated if he fell from the championship top three by the summer break, has lapsed after he held third place at Silverstone.