Formula 1 has been rocked by some shocking news: Mercedes has formalized George Russell’s contract extension until 2028, while closing the door on Max Verstappen, whom many expected to join the German team. This decision, announced on the sidelines of the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix, took the Verstappen clan by surprise and surprised Aston Martin boss Lawrence Stroll, who had hoped to attract the four-time world champion for his ambitious project. This strategic move by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has reshaped the F1 landscape and promises an explosive 2025 season.

At 27, George Russell has established himself as the pillar of Mercedes. Following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari, the Briton has taken the reins of the team with impressive consistency. His performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where he outscored Charles Leclerc at the start and held off Lando Norris despite technical issues, convinced Toto Wolff to invest in him. According to sources, Russell has signed a lucrative £22.5 million-a-year contract, a recognition of his talent and leadership role.

“George is the future of Mercedes,” Wolff said. “His consistency and ability to perform under pressure are exceptional. Together with Kimi Antonelli, our duo is ready to take Mercedes back to the top.” This confidence in Russell, coupled with the emergence of Antonelli, the Italian rookie who impresses with his speed, seems to put an end to the debate on a possible recruitment of Verstappen.

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen had long been in Mercedes’ sights. Rumors of a possible move intensified after tensions at Red Bull in 2024, marked by the departure of Adrian Newey and the RB21’s inconsistent performance. Toto Wolff had never hidden his interest, even offering an astronomical salary of €150 million per year to attract the Dutchman.

However, Russell’s contract extension and commitment to Antonelli have put an end to such speculation. Verstappen, who has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave Red Bull if he falls outside the top three in the championship, now finds himself with limited options. Mercedes, which seemed his most likely destination, has opted to build around its young talent. “We have a competitive car, but we want drivers who fit into our long-term vision,” Wolff explained, hinting that Verstappen was no longer part of the plans.

The move also surprised Lawrence Stroll, who saw Verstappen as a key player in his Aston Martin project. With the arrival of Adrian Newey and the adoption of a Honda engine in 2026, Aston Martin aims to become a dominant force. Rumors suggested a billion-pound deal to attract Verstappen, but talks with the Verstappen clan appear to have stalled.

Aston Martin’s engine partner Honda has attempted to downplay the speculation. Honda F1 boss Koji Watanabe said: “We want to continue supplying engines to Max, but it depends on his choices.” However, Verstappen’s recent disappointing performances in Bahrain, where he struggled with an uncompetitive RB21, could push the Dutchman to reconsider his options.

Mercedes’ announcement also rekindles the rivalry between Russell and Verstappen, which has been marked by memorable clashes in 2024. At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Russell accused Verstappen of problematic behavior, claiming that 25% of Red Bull engineers were looking to leave the team because of him. Verstappen, for his part, downplayed these tensions, but Mercedes’ decision could fuel hostilities on the track.

“I’m not worried about Max,” Russell said at the 2025 championship presentation. “My focus is on Mercedes and winning.” This assurance contrasts with the apparent frustration of Verstappen, whose future remains uncertain.

Mercedes’ decision marks a turning point in Formula 1. By investing in Russell and Antonelli, the German team is sending a clear message: it prioritizes stability and youth over a superstar like Verstappen. For Aston Martin, the failure to attract Verstappen could slow its ambitions, while Red Bull must now manage a champion searching for answers.

The 2025 season promises to be thrilling, with fierce rivalries and colossal stakes. Mercedes, with Russell at the helm, looks set to challenge McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull. As for Verstappen, he’ll need to find a new lease of life to stay at the top. One thing is certain: F1 never ceases to amaze us.