Russell would welcome Verstappen at Mercedes: 'Make it happen'
F1 News
- GPblog.com
Max Verstappen to Mercedes? Last year, everyone would've called Toto Wolff crazy if he said this, but as the weeks go by, the Silver Arrows' team boss seems increasingly likely to secure the triple world champion's signature. How would George Russell feel about having Verstappen driving alongside him as a teammate next year?
"I'd be all for it," Russell said firmly ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. "I think coming into Mercedes in 2022 was off the back of Lewis's legendary years and victories, and that was a huge task for anybody jumping into a team where he's been (Dominating) for so long, and I believe in myself, and you need to go up against the best in the same machinery and show what you've got."
Russell, who is currently seventh in the championship, continued: "I feel that Lewis for the past three years has been a hell of a teammate. He's such a great driver, and we push each other every single week, and I think it's fair to say that. So, I'd welcome Max, I want to go against the best. (I want) to prove what I’ve got. So, yeah, make it happen." Russell said.
Mercedes in the market for Verstappen
Mercedes is looking for a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who leaves for Ferrari at the end of the year. Despite the lack of a competitive car again this year, signing Verstappen doesn't seem hopeless. Mercedes would be willing to pay a record fee to convince the 26-year-old Dutchman to switch, although money isn't the most important thing for the Dutchman
For Verstappen, the most important thing is performance, especially going into 2026. In 2026, new regulations will be introduced by Formula 1, both for the chassis and the engine. Mercedes interpreted the previous major engine regulation changes in 2014 incredibly, and Verstappen may be tempted if the Brackley-based team can do it again.
Antonelli as a back-up
Wolff has said before that Verstappen is Mercedes' number one candidate. But, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is also among the options to replace seven-time world champion Hamilton in the 2025 W16. The 17-year-old Italian is making his debut in Formula 2 this year and is being prepared for F1 through several tests with Mercedes' older F1 cars.
Russell is keeping an eye on the Mercedes protégé's performance. "I've heard he's been doing a good job. Obviously, when you're driving alone, it's always difficult to get a reference. And for him, it's just about gaining the necessary experience. There's no doubt that he's going to be a Mercedes at some point in the future, but time will tell. He's a great driver, he's won everything in his junior career, so there's no reason not to see him in Formula 1."