logo
Red Bull ‘hold informal talks' with George Russell to replace Max Verstappen in 2026

Red Bull ‘hold informal talks' with George Russell to replace Max Verstappen in 2026

The Sun23-04-2025

RED BULL have held informal talks with George Russell over a shock move, according to reports.
There could be several changes in the paddock at the end of this year.
2
2
Russell, 27, was promoted to Mercedes' main driver this year following Sir Lewis Hamilton's departure.
He joined the team three years ago and is out of contract at the end of the year.
So far there has been little activity from Mercedes with regard to extending his deal.
Red Bull chief Christian Horner has looked to capitalise on that ambiguity and has held informal talks with the driver, report The Race.
It is possible Horner is lining up Russell as a potential replacement for Max Verstappen.
The four-time world champion also faces an uncertain future despite being contracted to Red Bull until 2028.
That is because he has an exit clause in his contract which could be activated later this year.
Reports have linked Verstappen with a move to Mercedes, while Aston Martin and McLaren are also interested in the Dutchman.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is known to be a big fan of Verstappen, but Horner has played down speculation he could leave.
He said: "I think noise is exactly the right word to describe it, there's been a lot of noise outside of the team.
"Inside of the team Max reaffirmed his commitment yesterday, we're focused on making the car go faster, Max is part of that and he's a committed part of team. The rest is all speculation and hearsay."

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Best cars for parking you can find on the market in the UK
Best cars for parking you can find on the market in the UK

Powys County Times

timean hour ago

  • Powys County Times

Best cars for parking you can find on the market in the UK

Car models from Ford, Kia, Volkswagen, Fiat and more have been named among the easiest to park with in the UK. While driving is something many motorists enjoy, the act of parking can be a bit more difficult and cause stress for some. It comes as research from Cazoo shows that Gen Z (people born between 1997 and 2012) are the most nervous generation by far when it comes to parking. A survey of more than 2,000 motorists found that 96% within the age group faced 'park-xiety'. Additionally, around two-thirds (66%) say they have asked someone else to park their car for them, which is illegal if the person isn't insured on that car. With this in mind, Harry Waring, Motoring Specialist at Cazoo, has shared the 10 best cars currently on the market that are the easiest to park with. Top 10 easiest cars to park with in the UK Fiat 500 A classic first car for a reason, the Fiat 500's compact size, light steering and good all-around visibility make it ideal for slotting into spaces. Ford Fiesta The Ford Fiesta offers functions such as voice control, rear-view cameras and parking sensors available across a range of its models. Waring adds that it is "responsive and solid on the road and in the car park". UK speed limits explained Volkswagen Polo All models of the Volkswagen Polo have a range of advanced safety features, such as automatic braking, that could help you avoid a collision when parking. Waring says: "A slightly more premium supermini, the Polo offers an easygoing driving experience with a focus on comfort rather than outright fun." Mercedes-Benz A-Class The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is considered to be a good option thanks to being equipped with several parking assistance features. This includes standard reversing cameras, parking sensors, and even active parking assist systems that automatically steer the car into parking spaces. Waring adds: "It's relatively compact hatchback form also helps with manoeuvrability compared to larger vehicles, and second-hand examples are very affordable, despite the premium badge." Hyundai i10 The Hyundai i10 is an "excellent" car for the city and is a "dream to park" thanks to its small size, light steering and good all-around visibility. Some more expensive models even have rear parking sensors, a rare feature in a car of this size. What's checked in an MOT Kia Picanto The Kia Picanto takes the crown for one of the UK's least-expensive and best-value cars, and this approach carries through to parking. Waring adds: "Incredibly practical for urban driving, the Picanto's small size, light controls, and good visibility make it a breeze to park." Suzuki Ignis The Suzuki Ignis has a high driving position, which provides good visibility for the driver, and the light steering helps to make parking straightforward. Audi A3 The Audi A3 is described as a "great practical option" that can be fitted with Park Assist. This helps the driver with both parallel and perpendicular parking. 5 tips to help your fuel last longer Skoda Karoq The Skoda Karoq is said to be a "fantastic all-rounder, mid-size SUV" which comes with rear parking sensors as standard. Higher trims often include front sensors or even a reversing camera. Some models may also offer park assist features that can help to steer into spaces. Peugeot 5008 If you're looking for a seven-seater that's manageable to park, the 5008 is a great option.

Jack Grealish given new escape route as alternative to Florian Wirtz
Jack Grealish given new escape route as alternative to Florian Wirtz

Daily Mirror

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mirror

Jack Grealish given new escape route as alternative to Florian Wirtz

Jack Grealish is looking for a new club after being axed from Manchester City's Club World Cup squad and there could be an opportunity for him to join Bayer Leverkusen as they seek to replace Florian Wirtz Manchester City misfit Jack Grealish could become Liverpool -bound Florian Wirtz's replacement at Bayer Leverkusen. The German side have rejected a number of bids from the Reds for their star man Wirtz, who they value at around £126million. Should Liverpool finally get their man, Leverkusen will need a new playmaker and Grealish has been identified by new boss Erik ten Hag as a man who could fill the void. ‌ Grealish has no future at City after being left out of Pep Guardiola's squad for the FIFA Club World Cup and he will be eyeing up his next move - though his eye-water salary of £300,000-a-week may cause issues. ‌ The 29-year-old has fallen well down the pecking order at Manchester City and there is an acceptance from all parties that a move elsewhere is best. Grealish has been hugely influential in the past and Leverkusen may believe they can get him back to that level. Ten Hag himself is known to be an admirer, reports The Sun, and those close to the player believe he is keen on a move overseas as he looks to revive his career. While the Dutchman won't want to lose a player of his quality after he bagged 16 goals and 13 assists last season, he would be given a huge transfer war chest if Leverkusen are able to collect a reported £118m for his services. Ten Hag has already landed Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken and the cash from the Wirtz deal should allow him to sign Grealish and a few more players too. Grealish knows he needs to resurrect his career, as he still hopes of making England's World Cup squad next year. ‌ Grealish would be interested in returning to boyhood club, Villa - four years after he left City for £100m - but their lack of Champions League football might make the move difficult. Grealish started just seven times in the Premier League last night after losing his place under Guardiola, who admitted the winger has to play regular football at the end of the 2024-25 season. "Of course Jack has to play," he said. "He's an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. It didn't happen this season and last season either. He needs to do it - with us or another place. ‌ "Who said I'm not happy with Jack? It's not personal. I'm the person who fought for him to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here this season and the last season. "I'm the one who said I want Jack Grealish. Now he didn't come (to Fulham) because he didn't come but not something else. What happens in the future is a job for Txiki (Begiristain), Hugo (Viana) and the agents." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Max Verstappen will quit F1 THIS YEAR, claims former Red Bull mechanic with Dutch driver chasing record held by Michael Schumacher
Max Verstappen will quit F1 THIS YEAR, claims former Red Bull mechanic with Dutch driver chasing record held by Michael Schumacher

Daily Mail​

time4 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Max Verstappen will quit F1 THIS YEAR, claims former Red Bull mechanic with Dutch driver chasing record held by Michael Schumacher

Max Verstappen will quit Formula One after winning a fifth consecutive Drivers championship title, a former Red Bull mechanic has claimed. Verstappen is looking to match Michael Schumacher 's record of a fifth title in a row, though he faces an uphill task trying to make up the ground to McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Despite holding on to beat Norris to the crown last year, Piastri has been the quickest on the grid for much of the 2025 season, and leads the standings by 10 points from his team-mate, and is 49 clear of Verstappen Verstappen is on a £60m annual retainer at Red Bull until 2028, though there are opt-out clauses, and has told the team he wants to stay at least for next year. However incoming regulation changes mean he may wait to see how Red Bull adapts before making a decision on his future. Mail Sport has previously reported he could potentially move in 2027, with Mercedes and Aston Martin possible refuges, but sources close to Verstappen indicate that if the 27-year-old were to jump ship he would only do so once in his career. However, he has now been backed to fight back and snatch the championship this year by a former member of the Red Bull pit crew - before quitting the sport entirely. Former Red Bull mechanic Calum Nicholas was asked on Lucas Stewart's YouTube channel how many titles Verstappen would win, when he responded: 'Five. I think Max is going to win the Drivers' this year, and then I think he's going to call it a day.' Nicolas insisted, however, that he did not have any information about the Dutch driver's plans for the rest of his career. Verstappen lost even more ground in his latest outing, after dropping from P5 to P10 following a penalty for ramming his car into Mercedes' George Russell's car at the Spanish Grand Prix, and now trails Piastri by 49 points. But Nicholas remained adamant that the Red Bull star should always remain the favourite despite what the standings say. 'To not back Max is just like lunacy, I think. The guy is just really really good. 'Not in terms of just his technical skill and his talent, but I've watched Max grow into this guy that can do everything. 'He does everything well now.' Verstappen became a father for the first time earlier this season, as he and girlfriend Kelly Piquet welcomed Lily into the world in May. The F1 star announced the birth alongside an Instagram post, writing: 'Welcome to the world, sweet Lily. Our hearts are fuller than ever - you are our greatest gift. We love you so much.' While Lily is Max's first child, model Piquet, 36, already has a daughter, Penelope, born in 2019, from her previous relationship with Formula One driver Daniil Kvyat, 30. Verstappen will join Nico Hulkenberg as the only drivers with children on the F1 grid. Asked if he had any advice for Verstappen as a new parent, the Kick Sauber driver responded: 'I hope it's a good sleeper.' Meanwhile, his rivals banished any suggestions that he will be any less competitive following his daughter's birth. Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton said: 'I just wish him all the best. It's such an amazing, special thing. I spoke to him briefly in Saudi and saw how excited he was. Big congrats to him.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store