Max Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull through 2028, but a performance clause has given Mercedes and opportunity to poach the world champion.

George Russell's contract extension with Mercedes has stalled amid growing speculation over the team's strong links to Max Verstappen.

Although the 27-year-old is currently contracted to Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, both team principal Christian Horner and motorsport advisor Helmut Marko have alluded to an exit clause in Verstappen's contract which could allow him to exit the team at the end of this year.