Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes F1 could threaten George Russell’s position with the team.
George Russell may well be the Mercedes F1 driver who has to make way should Max Verstappen wish to join the German team in the medium term.
On paper, Russell’s contract for 2025 was signed and sealed nearly a year ago. With Lewis Hamilton’s departure, the only real question was whom team boss Toto Wolff would choose to replace him.
The chosen candidate appears to be Kimi Antonelli, especially since the FIA has suddenly decided that promising youngsters under 18—like the Italian—are now eligible for a super license.
However, according to former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, the problem is that Wolff has clearly left a door unlocked and open for Max Verstappen.
“From Toto Wolff’s perspective, Kimi Antonelli deserves his chance, and there are apparently contractual agreements that he must adhere to,” Schumacher noted.
“The contract does not specify which team he must be with, but as Williams is already taken, I assume it will be with Mercedes. Wolff himself has said he wants to focus on the future.”
“But if Verstappen really decides to leave Red Bull at the end of 2025, I can imagine there’s a place for him at Mercedes. This could be quite detrimental for George Russell, actually.”
“He is or was a super talent, but he also makes a lot of mistakes. If a triple world champion is on the market, I can imagine that George Russell’s position could indeed be at risk, especially if Kimi Antonelli has an exceptional first season.”
For his part, Verstappen claims to remain loyal to Red Bull, but it is also clear that the 26-year-old Dutchman’s only real priority is to have a car capable of winning.
“Mercedes would have won the race in Canada with Max at the wheel. That’s clear,” Schumacher continues. “Max is the driver who makes the big difference.”
“Mercedes has gone through a long dry spell and needs a world champion to return to the forefront. Verstappen is also a guy who comes across as very conservative, pleasant, and sporty. So I can imagine that Toto Wolff and Mercedes could accomplish a lot with him and would do a lot for him.”
Russell’s Mercedes F1 Future Uncertain with Max’s Gaze. Russell’s Mercedes F1 Future Uncertain with Max’s Gaze
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