In a major development that could shake up the Formula 1 grid ahead of the 2026 season, George Russell has confirmed he held talks with Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner, amidst swirling rumors over Max Verstappen’s future and the possibility of a sensational driver swap. Speaking candidly about the meeting, Russell revealed that Red Bull has already made a final internal decision about their 2026 lineup — even if that decision has not yet been made public.

The Mercedes driver, whose contract with the Brackley-based team expires at the end of the current season, admitted that informal discussions had taken place with Horner, though he emphasized that the encounter was more exploratory than transactional.

“Yes, I had a chat with Christian,” Russell told PlanetF1.com after the Chinese Grand Prix. “It wasn’t some secret negotiation or anything — it was just a genuine conversation between two people who have a lot of respect for each other. He was very clear that Red Bull already has a plan in place for 2026.”

Russell, who has delivered podiums in three of the first five races this season — including a stunning second-place finish in Australia — is widely seen as one of the top talents on the grid and a potential heir to Lewis Hamilton’s legacy at Mercedes. However, with Hamilton’s unexpected move to Ferrari in 2025 and Verstappen’s contract under scrutiny due to performance clauses, the driver market has entered a state of flux.

“Of course, I’m aware of the speculation — who isn’t?” Russell added. “People have been talking about Max possibly leaving, and naturally Red Bull is going to consider all its options. I just wanted to understand where they stood, and Christian was very honest about it.”

According to Russell, Horner did not leave much ambiguity.

“He said Red Bull is not in panic mode. They’ve already made what he called their ‘final call’ internally for the driver lineup in 2026, and while he didn’t spell it out completely, I could tell from the way he spoke that they’re confident in their direction — whether that includes Max, or not.”

Russell also praised Horner for his transparency and acknowledged that such conversations are part of the reality of modern F1.

“I appreciate the openness. You don’t always get that in this sport,” Russell noted. “At the end of the day, everyone’s thinking about what’s best for their future. I owe it to myself to understand the landscape — but for now, I’m 100% focused on Mercedes. This team gave me my shot in Formula 1, and I’m proud of what we’re building.”

While Red Bull has not made any public statement confirming its 2026 lineup, sources suggest that the team may be preparing for a scenario without Verstappen, who could activate an exit clause if his performance dips below third in the Drivers’ Championship standings.

With Lando Norris, Alex Albon, and even Fernando Alonso all loosely linked to Red Bull in the media, Horner’s confirmation to Russell of a decision behind closed doors adds an intriguing twist to the developing saga.

For Russell, however, the future remains wide open.

“I’m having the best season of my career so far. Whatever happens next — whether it’s Mercedes, Red Bull, or even someone unexpected — I want to be in a car that can win championships. That’s the goal. Nothing less.”

With the 2025 season heating up and the 2026 driver market already on fire, all eyes will be on how Mercedes, Red Bull, and Russell navigate the complex path ahead — with the clock ticking on multiple contracts, and careers hanging in the balance.