Can Verstappen check Mercedes off the list? 'Russell to sign new deal'

Max Verstappen has been linked to a move to Mercedes, despite the Dutchman constantly saying he is not thinking about making such a move away from Red Bull Racing. Now, it seems that a seat at the German team might no longer be an option for Verstappen

Mercedes currently has a very exciting and dynamic line-up. In Russell they have speed and experience. In rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, they have a potentially superlative talent - who certainly provided a glimpse into his potential with a blistering lap yesterday in Miami.

It is understood that Mercedes CEO and Team Principal, would like to retain Antonelli -whose contract expires at the end of the current year - for the long haul.

With Russell's contract also expiring, it is then expected that should Mercedes go for Verstappen, it is the British driver who would have to make way for the Dutchman, hence the exploratory talks Russell and Horner held in Jeddah.

On Saturday morning, the daily mail reported that Russell and Wolff were holding contract talks. According to the medium, the deal should soon be finalised: 'Probably this month or the next,' the British newspaper writes, in an in-depth interview with Russell.