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Verstappen Weighs 2026 Mercedes Switch After Horner’s Red Bull Departure

Mercedes intends to reshuffle its roster by sending Antonelli to Alpine to secure Russell’s seat when Verstappen activates his end-of-July exit clause

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Overview

  • Christian Horner was removed as Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing following a series of technical setbacks and internal conflicts.
  • Max Verstappen has entered direct talks with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff to explore invoking his contract’s exit clause before the July 31 deadline.
  • Verstappen’s deal allows him to leave Red Bull at the end of July if he finishes outside the top three in the World Championship standings.
  • Mercedes has drafted a plan to retain George Russell in its works team by placing junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli at Alpine under Mercedes power units for 2026.
  • Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko and pundit Martin Brundle have suggested that Horner’s departure could make Verstappen more inclined to remain with Red Bull.