In a shocking turn of events that has rocked the paddock at the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Sergio “Checo” Pérez was spotted in a private meeting with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, fueling intense speculation about a potential contract deal between the Red Bull driver and the Silver Arrows. The twist? George Russell is reportedly not taking the news well.
🔥 Secret Meeting Sparks F1 Silly Season Frenzy
Multiple sources within the paddock confirmed that Pérez and Wolff met behind closed doors on Saturday evening, shortly after qualifying. While neither party has issued an official statement, insiders claim the meeting was about the possibility of Checo joining Mercedes for the 2026 season, as the team looks to strengthen its driver lineup following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari.
The bombshell meeting has sent the F1 community into a frenzy, with fans and experts alike questioning what this could mean for George Russell, who was expected to become the team’s undisputed No. 1 driver after Hamilton’s exit.
🗣️ “Checo is an experienced, consistent driver who could bring balance to any team,” one F1 analyst said. “If Mercedes is serious about fighting Red Bull and Ferrari in 2026, Pérez could be their wildcard.”
😡 Russell Reportedly “Furious” Over the News
Tensions may already be rising behind the scenes. Reports suggest that George Russell was blindsided by the Pérez meeting and is said to be “furious” about the idea of sharing the garage with another senior driver rather than leading the team himself.
One source close to Mercedes hinted that Russell expected a leadership role, particularly with a new car regulation era beginning in 2026. A surprise signing of Pérez could disrupt those plans.
💬 “George believed the future of the team would be built around him,” the source explained. “This changes everything.”
🤔 Why Would Mercedes Want Pérez?
While Checo Pérez has had an up-and-down tenure at Red Bull, he remains one of the most experienced and tactically savvy drivers on the grid. His ability to defend, manage tyres, and extract solid results under pressure makes him a strong candidate for any top team.
Moreover, with Red Bull grooming younger talent like Liam Lawson and Ayumu Iwasa, Pérez may find himself without a seat by the end of 2025—making a move to Mercedes both timely and strategic.
🚨 What’s Next?
As the dust settles from Imola, all eyes are now on Mercedes and Red Bull for official reactions. Will Pérez replace Russell or join him? Will George accept a co-leader role—or will he look elsewhere? One thing is certain: the F1 driver market for 2026 has just exploded.
