Christian Horner has insisted that the “absolute intention” is for Max Verstappen to remain at Red Bull for the F1 2026 season amid rumours of a move to Mercedes. And he has claimed that Red Bull have not “engaged in any discussion” with Russell over a potential seat swap with Verstappen.

Verstappen did not categorically deny suggestions that his camp reached out to Mercedes for a move after the Formula 1 2025 season.

Russell’s contract at Mercedes expires at the end of 2025, while Verstappen is tied to Red Bull until 2028 though team adviser Helmut Marko has previously acknowledged that all of the top drivers on the grid have agreements that contain performance-related break clauses.