Christian Horner has revealed that Max Verstappen is 'getting quite annoyed' by rumours linking him with Mercedes. The four-time world champion is in talks with Toto Wolff's organisation over a move in 2026, according to incumbent Silver Arrows driver George Russell.

Verstappen's contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but there are reports that performance-based levers could allow the Dutchman to part ways with the Milton Keynes squad at the end of the season. If he does opt to leave Horner's squad, who are currently fourth in the Constructors' Championship standings, Mercedes are his best alternative. However, team boss Wolff has his own dilemma to work through with both Russell and rookie team-mate Kimi Antonelli out of contract in December.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz after qualifying in Austria about the rumours, Horner said: "It's a lot of noise. I think Max gets quite annoyed by it, and we're very clear with the contract we have with Max until 2028. So anything is entirely speculative, that has been said, but we tend not to pay much attention to it."

Horner was then asked whether or not he was frustrated with Mercedes sparking rumours at Red Bull's home race. "Well, look, I can imagine George is frustrated that he hasn't been given a contract yet," he continued.

"But that's between him and his team. The situation with Max, we know clearly where we're at and obviously as does Max. So everything is subject to noise and obviously, within every contract, it remains confidential between the parties."

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While Horner is adamant that his star driver will not be swapping Milton Keynes for Brackley at the end of the 2025 campaign, Verstappen's comments ahead of the track action in Spielberg opened the door for speculation. The four-time world champion refused to flat-out deny that conversations had taken place.

"I've had that question before as well in my life," the 27-year-old told reporters. "I don't think we need to talk about that. I don't know, do you want me to repeat what I said last year? I don't know. It's the same answer. I don't even remember what I said last year, really. But again, it's not really on my mind. I'm just driving well, trying to push the performance, and then we focus on next year."

Verstappen's decision will likely be swayed by performance over the coming races. Mercedes won last time out in Montreal but have experienced wild fluctuations weekend to weekend, while Red Bull have struggled to close the gap to leaders McLaren with their upgrades in 2025.