Max Verstappen’s next potential teammate reportedly revealed

Red Bull Racing is reportedly already looking at its options to sign a new teammate for Max Verstappen.

Max Verstappen’s next potential teammate reportedly revealed

Yuki Tsunoda and Max Verstappen (via Racingnews365)

Red Bull has faced a massive headache when it comes to find a suitable teammate for Max Verstappen. The gamble on Liam Lawson for the 2025 season backfired straightaway. With the Kiwi driver being replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after just a couple of races. Tsunoda still has not won over Milton Keynes. Now, rumors have emerged that Verstappen could get a new teammate next year.

Mercedes driver George Russell is a big name in the F1 driver market. The British driver is yet to get an extension from the Silver Arrows, as his current deal expires at the end of this season. Russell has so far not publicly shown any interest in leaving Brackley for a rival squad. However, things might be changing behind-the-scenes.

As per The Race, George Russell has held talks with Red Bull team boss Christian Horner for a potential switch to Milton Keynes in 2026. Though, these were early discussions, which just outline the position of the two parties. It is clear that both sides are willing to potentially unite in the future.

Russell and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner have had some informal chats over recent weeks, so are aware of each other’s situations even if things have not advanced to full-on talks about a race deal.

The Race report states

Moreover, Max Verstappen is reportedly not concerned about having George Russell as his teammate. The two faced off each other in a war of words last year, which stirred controversy within the paddock. However, when it comes to teammates, Verstappen remains confident about being able to outperform any driver on the grid.

George Russell could be Red Bull’s backup

It is no secret that Max Verstappen’s future at Milton Keynes has come under the radar in recent weeks. The reigning world champion does have a contract till the end of the 2028 season. However, this has not stopped the rumor mill. There have been reports of the 27-year-old potentially joining Aston Martin or even Mercedes for 2026.

George Russell and Max Verstappen's verbal altercation (via IMAGO)
George Russell and Max Verstappen’s verbal altercation (via IMAGO)

If Verstappen does sign with the Silver Arrows for the upcoming season courtesy of an exit clause in his contract, George Russell might be at risk of losing his seat. The Briton might be the one who is axed to make way for the four-time world champion. On the other hand, 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli has impressed the paddock with his consistent results so far.

If Wolff is insistent on signing Verstappen, Russell could end up on the sidelines. 

The report claims

In such a scenario, Red Bull and George Russell would both benefit from such a move. The Austrian team will secure the services of one of the leading drivers on the grid. While Russell will remain at a top team for the start of F1’s new era in 2026. The Briton will likely lead Milton Keynes in such a scenario.

Certainly, such a driver swap between Red Bull and Mercedes would be the talk of the paddock. It might be too early to make predictions just yet. George Russell still has more to show in Formula 1 and would rather want to stick with Mercedes for the long term as the team leader.

However, it is believed that Max Verstappen could have the chance to sign with a rival team for 2026 if he slips below second in the drivers’ standings by the summer break. This could put the F1 driver market in a frenzy with all teams analyzing the situation over where the four-time champion is headed. As such, fans can expect some exciting weeks ahead.