Back in 2022, Verstappen signed a bumper five-year contract extension with Red Bull in a deal that will keep him at the team until at least the end of the 2028 season. Russell’s contracts have been far shorter, with the Briton signing a two-year extension in 2023 to extend his stay with Mercedes until the end of 2025.

With the Mercedes and Max Verstappen flirtation continuing, the impact such a partnership could have would be seismic in Formula 1. Here’s a delve into the factors in play

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confirmed last week that the Silver Arrows are trying to sign Max Verstappen; talks have since intensified, according to Sky in Italy; watch the British Grand Prix this week with Sundays race at 3pm,