George Russell is out of contract at the end of the season and Mercedes have been courting Max Verstappen amid ongoing speculation that he could walk away from Red Bull

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has repeatedly hinted at a move for Verstappen, who is contracted to Red Bull until 2028 but has clauses allowing for the early termination of his deal

Formula One champion Max Verstappen said Christian Horner's sacking as Red Bull boss would make no difference to decisions about his own future and the team still felt like a second family.

Max Verstappen has addressed reports that he held a secret meeting with Mercedes chief Toto Wolff during a holiday to Sardinia. Boats belonging to the two men were reportedly spotted together at the Italian island.

The Dutchman holds the record for the most wins in a single year (19 in 2023), along with the most consecutive grand prix victories (10 between Miami and Italy in 2023)

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has named George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli as the team's priority for the 2026 Formula One season. The revelation comes after Max Verstappen was strongly linked to Mercedes.

La Source caught several cars out in FP1, where multiple drivers ran off the track after a lockup at the first hairpin. FP1 also got off to a nightmare start for Williams star Carlos Sainz, who couldn't even complete his out lap before he was forced to return to the garage due to a fuel systems issue.

Piastri leads Verstappen and McLaren team-mate Norris in the only practice session at F1's Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps

Mercedes is yet to name its 2026 F1 drivers. With interest from Red Bull's Max Verstappen, Luke Smith argues he should join George Russell

Bortoleto told Motorsport: "For me, along with Ayrton Senna, he (Verstappen) is the best driver of all time. I really admire his way of approaching races, his way of understanding the sport, of understanding the car and the calmness with which he faces everything."