Whispers around the Formula One paddock say that Max Verstappen can see himself driving at Mercedes, rather than another of their rivals or Red Bull’s in the future. The Dutchman has continuously bemoaned his RB21 this season, which has often been lacklustre compared to the McLarens, and above all else he wants to win more world titles.

That assertion has caused Verstappen to be linked with a move away from Christian Horner’s outfit, where he has worked ever since entering F1. The four-time world champion would not be short of suitors, and appears to be carefully considering his next moves.

Verstappen reportedly has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave after this season, in the unlikely scenario he is not in the top four of the Drivers' Championship at the start of the summer break, following the Hungarian Grand Prix.

GP33 claim that rumours around the paddock suggest that Verstappen sees himself driving for Mercedes, as opposed to Aston Martin. Lawrence Stroll’s team have been linked with a big-money move for the driver which would reunite him with legendary designer Adrian Newey.

Newey, who was employed by Red Bull for nearly two decades before joining Aston Martin, is solely working on their vehicle for 2026 and beyond.

But Toto Wolff could finally get his wish and pry Verstappen out of Red Bull and away from the arms of Aston Martin, though he would have a tough decision on which driver to axe for the 27-year-old.

George Russell is out of contract at the end of the year but is a bona fide star in F1, demonstrating his talent once again by winning last week’s Canadian GP. However, they have an 18-year-old wonderkid alongside him in Kimi Antonelli. Motorsport.com also claim that Russell is a target for Aston Martin.

Russell has responded to rumours that he could ditch Mercedes by insisting that there is “no rush” to put pen to paper as he continues contract negotiations.

He said: "Like I said numerous times, why wouldn't teams be interested in Max? If every driver had no contracts for next year, Max would be No 1 for every single team. And that's understandable.

"But ultimately, there are two seats for every race team. I knew if I continue to perform as I'm doing, my position would not be under threat whatsoever. So, I feel in a good place.

"I'm not talking with anybody else and any teams who have shown interest. I have been quite open to say my intentions are to stay with Mercedes. That's always been clear. And I am loyal to Mercedes. They gave me this chance to get into Formula 1.

"We're in no rush to do contract negotiations. We want to win together, especially Kimi and I being team-mates now."