F1 Today | Verstappen sees small chance of a win, and Russell advices Toto to sign the Dutchman

If anything Verstappen's starts have been of the best he's had so far this season. And if he is to take the lead from the McLarens tomorrow in the Spanish Grand Prix, then the natural opportunity is at Turn 1.

At the start of the Imola Grand Prix Verstappen completed a bold overtake around the outside of a defenseless Oscar Piastri. Is the plan to repeat the feat?

"I think it's time to shine in Turn 1, yeah," said Verstappen to media including GPblog. "Make it three wide for the pictures, why not?"

At the moment, neither of the Mercedes drivers have a contract for the upcoming season, and it is no secret Toto Wolff would like to bring the Dutchman in.

Still, GPblog could confirm that Max Verstappen will not trigger his exit clause and will remain with Red Bull Racing for 2026.

"The fact is, there are two seats in a Formula 1 team. And I've already said I'd be happy to be Verstappen's teammate. But the fact is: why wouldn't a team want Verstappen?," Russell began to Mundo Deportivo, before issuing a word of wisdom in the confronts of his team principal, Wolff.

"If I were Toto (Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal), and you had two choices... If you could have any driver and all the drivers were available, I would choose myself and I would choose Verstappen, if I were in Toto's shoes," the Briton recommended.