Bomb hypothesis in Formula 1! Rival pilot could replace Max Verstappen to Red Bull

At Red Bull the analysis of the pilot market is continued, especially since the future of Max Verstappen in the team remains uncertain, although it has a contract until the end of 2028. Vertappen also has an early termination clause, even if the Red Bull head, Oliver Mintzlaff, said the world champion will remain in 2026.

Verstappen could leave Red Bull. Russell, the perfect replacement?

Against the background of a difficult season of season for Red Bull and McLaren's gap, Serious speculation has occurred like Verstappen could leave the team at the end of the seasondespite the contract valid until the end of 2028. Mintzlaff is convinced that the Dutchman will honor his contract with the team with whom he obtained all his successes in Formula 1. Beside the obviously anevous start of Red Bull, other information appeared.

One of them is closely related to an unconfirmed clause in the contract of “Mad Max”. According to the British publication The Daily Mail, Verstappen He can initiate the termination of his contract with Red Bull if, during the summer, he is below the third place in the pilot standings.

However, the exact summer date at which it will be established is not specified whether or not this clause can be activated. At this moment, Max is on the third place in the pilot standings, after Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, both representatives of the “Papaya” team.

Another information would be a possible gigantic offer of Aston Martin for Verstappen, of $ 300 million, almost six times more than collecting the bat. It would be the biggest contract in the history of the great circus, by far! The rumors on the offer have also intensified due to the passage of Adrian Newey, the Mastermind to Aerodynamics of Red Bull monoposte, at Aston Martin, who will also opt for a Honda engine since 2026.

Under these conditions, the teammate at Milton Keynes could opt for George Russell. The British already has a vast experience in the Great Circus, at Williams and Mercedes – 133 starts, 3 wins, 18 podiums and 5 polles.

At the same time, Mercedes was believed to be prepared to provide a new contract to Russell, even appearing information about its duration and value.

It will be interesting to follow what will be the following movements of the main actors on the market, this being expected to happen in May-June, when Russell's negotiations with Mercedes will enter the decisive phase and Max will be during the period that he will be able to activate the early release clause.

So, Toto Wolff's actions will be revealing – will it rely on Russell or continue to follow Vartappen?

What does pilot ranking look after the Saudi Arabia race:

1. Oscar Piastri – 99 points

2. Lando Norris – 89

3. Max Verstappen – 87

4. George Russell – 73

5. Charles Leclerc – 47

6. Kimi Antonelli – 38

7. Lewis Hamilton – 31

8. Alex Albon – 20

9. Esteban Ocon – 14

10. Lance Stroll – 10

11. Pierre Gasly – 6

12. Nico Hulkenberg – 6

13. Oliver Bearman – 6

14. Isack Hadjar – 5

15. Carlos Sainz – 5

16. Yuki Tsunoda – 5

17. Fernando Alonso – 0

18. Liam Lawson – 0

19. Jack Doohan – 0

20. Gabriel Bortleto – 0

The hierarchy of builders:

1. McLaren – 188 points

2. Mercedes – 111

3. Red Bull – 89

4. Ferrari – 78

5. Williams – 25

6. Haas – 20

7. Aston Martin – 10

8. Racing Bulls – 8

9. Alpine – 6

10. Kick Sauber – 6