Overview

• Helmut Marko confirmed that Max Verstappen’s performance-based exit clause lapsed when he held third after the Hungarian Grand Prix cut-off, locking in his return to Red Bull for 2026.
• Mercedes is poised to sign George Russell to a multi-year extension through at least 2027 after postponing negotiations during its pursuit of Max Verstappen.
• Toto Wolff told Sky Sports that Russell will “sleep well” over the summer break as the team finalizes his long-term deal.
• Following what George Russell called Mercedes’ worst outing of the season, the Silver Arrows convened emergency meetings to diagnose and reverse recent car stability issues.
• Red Bull’s promotion of engineer Laurent Mekies to team principal underscores a shift toward technical leadership after Christian Horner’s departure.