2026 - Silly Season

[F1nKS]

Rumors are starting to float around about what may happen during SILLY SEASON-2026.

Seems there maybe discussion of Piastri going to Red Bull if Max switches teams or moves to another team.

Present situations to watch:

1. Lewis Hamilton retirement

2. George Russell losing seat to Verstappen and moving to Aston Martin

3. Max Verstappen to Mercedes or leaving F1

4. Piastri to Red Bull

5. Williams may lose both drivers. Albon to Alpine.

6. Hulk, Bottas and Perez to retire

 

[F1nKS]

2027 Teams

Mercedes: Antonelli, Russell [7/6/26]
McLaren: Norris, Piastri [7/6/26]
Ferrari: Hamilton/Leclerc [7/6/26]
Red Bull:
Racing Bulls:
Alpine:
Audi:
Williams:
Haas:
Cadillac:
Aston Martin:


Update 7/6/26

Mercedes gives a contract extension to Russell

Mercedes chairman was worried he’d ‘sell his soul’ if he accepted Max Verstappen’s demands. Max Verstappen reportedly held unsuccessful negotiations with Mercedes before they committed to George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for the 2027 season.​

​

Mercedes chairman was worried he'd 'sell his soul' by signing Max Verstappen

Do you think some at Mercedes still hold a grudge about 2021?

www.f1oversteer.com

Zak Brown has told the media he already has his drivers. The only way they would consider Max is if one of their drivers "slipped on a banana". Looks like Max is stuck with RB or will have to leave F1.

Ferrari has extended Hamilton's contract.

 

[Mark]

It's a wide open market isn't it. And if recent rumours are to be believed McLaren isn't as nailed down as you'd think. Even Ferrari doesn't seem 100% nailed on even if it's 95%

 

[Starter4]

I can easily see Verstappen and Piastri swapping seats. All the other names at the quick end of the grid seem to be under contract.

 

[F1nKS]

I can easily see Verstappen and Piastri swapping seats. All the other names at the quick end of the grid seem to be under contract.

There are now rumors that what you are suggesting may happen.

Max Verstappen to McLaren? Why the paddock believes a blockbuster deal is close

The rumours refuse to disappear - and the latest information suggests there may be good reason why.

www.planetf1.com

Speculation over Max Verstappen's future has intensified following the British Grand Prix, with multiple sources telling GPBlog that an announcement regarding a move to McLaren is expected soon.

Verstappen to McLaren move 'imminent' as Ferrari set for Madring filming day

From reports that Max Verstappen is close to a McLaren move to Ferrari's planned SF-26 filming day at Madring, here are the biggest F1 stories from July 7.

www.gpblog.com

 

[airshifter]

These days the contracts don't mean all that much if another team has the cash to buy it out. Personally I think McLaren would be foolish to spend a lot to grab Max right now, as they really don't have the car to make him much happier than he is at RB. I do think Toto has an interest, but with Kimi thus far retaining the title lead I don't think he would want to spring for big money either, but probably much more likely as compared to a McLaren deal.