Russell wants clarity, but Mercedes leaves the door open for Verstappen

Although it's clear Verstappen prefers to stay with Red Bull Racing, the rumor mill about a possible move doesn't stop spinning. This time, Italian sources reported that Toto Wolff's F1 team is in advanced talks with the Dutchman. The contact between the two parties is kept warm, but at this time, there is definitely no agreement.

According to Funoanalisitecnica.com, Russell received an offer from Mercedes for a one-year contract, with an option to extend (1+1). Mercedes wants to have space by 2027 to bring in Verstappen, should circumstances allow it to happen. The Brit was hoping for more certainty, and that, according to the Italian site, is why his negotiations with Mercedes have been delayed. Russell has earlier hinted that the interest in Verstappen might have to do with the fact that his contract has not been renewed.

Russell himself said he understands that his team is interested in the four-time world champion. "Mercedes wants to get back to the top, and to do that you need to have the best drivers. So it makes total sense that they're talking to someone like Max," he says. "But if I keep performing as I am now, what would I have to worry about? Every team has two seats.

"Toto has let me know that he thinks I'm riding at the level of the best this year. And there's only one driver with whom you can really compare that. Those are his words, not mine." Nonetheless, Russell acknowledged that it's not an easy decision for Mercedes. "Toto has to think about who those two drivers are going to be. And I think that's the reason for the delay."